Troops rescue 146 hostages, thwart oil theft ‘worth N103m’ in one week

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops have rescued 146 kidnap victims and thwarted oil theft worth N103 million within one week of sustained operations across the country.

A statement by Markus Kangye, director of defence media operations, said the operations were in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive on national food security.

Kangye said from May 8 to 15, troops destroyed multiple terrorist camps and rehabilitated civilians affected by conflict.

“As part of its mandate, the military launched several key operations during the week with renewed vigour aimed at combating insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of criminal activities that threaten our communities,” the statement reads. 

“Within the period under review, troops successfully destroyed several terrorists’ camps as well as rescue kidnapped victims and the rehabilitation of civilians affected by the conflict.

“The gallant troops neutralised scores of terrorists and apprehended two wanted extremists informants and logistics suppliers identified as Zakari Abubakar and Aliyu Musa in Suleja and Borgu LGA of Niger state.

“Troops also apprehended an ammunition courier identified as Rufai Abdullahi in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT. 

“Items recovered within the period under review include: arms and ammunition, monies, locally fabricated guns, as well as motorcycles. Other items recovered were pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, mobile phones and vehicles.”

Kangye added that the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised scores of terrorists during fighting patrols, raids and clearance operations in Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza and Damboa LGAs of Borno state.

“The operation led to the rescue of 17 kidnap victims as well as the recovery of arms and some quantities of assorted ammunition, as well as hand grenades and extra magazines,” the statement reads.

“In the North West, the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma killed scores of terrorists and rescued 129 victims across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states within the week.

“In the Niger Delta, the troops of Operation Delta Safe, foiled oil theft worth over N103 million, comprising 68,875 litres of stolen crude oil, 31,166 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO) and 2,250 litres of dual purpose kerosene (DPK).

“Other items recovered include pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and seven vehicles.”

He added that troops discovered and destroyed 16 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 19 boats, 34 storage tanks, 79 drums and 18 illegal refining sites.