TheCable

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the armed forces eliminated 23 terrorists, apprehended 109 criminals, and five kidnappers in the last nine weeks.

In a statement on Friday, Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, announced the development.

Buba said one informant and 22 suspected oil thieves were arrested, adding that troops also rescued 41 kidnapped hostages across the country within the period under review.

He further said 231 terrorists and their families, comprising 25 adult males, 63 adult females and 143 children, surrendered to troops in the north-east.

He added that the troops recovered 41 weapons and 300 assorted weapons comprising 14 AK47 rifles, one AK49 rifle, two AK47 rifles loaded with 7.62mm special ammo and one PKT gun.

“Additionally, troops recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 AK47 magazine, one magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, 239 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, five rounds of 7.62 NATO, 44 rounds of PKT, 5 rounds of 9mm ammo and 6 cartridges,” NAN quoted Buba as saying.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 13 motorcycles, 22 mobile phones, one bicycle, 10 machetes, a pair of camouflage.”

Buba added that the operations in the south-south geopolitical zone resulted in the confiscation of 682,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 70,950 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 23,250 litres of DPK.

“All amounting to an estimated sum of N414.3 million denied to the oil thieves,” he said.

Buba said the military would continue to relentlessly pursue the violent groups instigating insecurity and instability in the country.

He assured that the troops would continue to make improvements towards ensuring the safety of citizens and restoring security nationwide.