Troops conducting counter-insurgency operations across the country eliminated 92 terrorists, arrested 111 suspects, and rescued 75 kidnapped victims in the past week, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
Nationwide Operations Overview
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced the successes on Thursday, emphasizing the military’s efforts in dismantling criminal networks. Security forces also destroyed 47 illegal refining sites and arrested 18 suspects involved in oil theft.
South-South Region: Crude Oil Theft Crackdown
Security forces dismantled numerous illegal refining structures, including:
- 87 crude oil cooking ovens
- 28 dugout pits
- 23 boats
- 33 storage tanks
- 61 drums
Authorities estimated the recovered crude oil and refined products to be worth ₦521.8 million, including:
- 452,396 liters of stolen crude oil
- 224,175 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)
- 1,920 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
Additional items seized: two pumping machines, three tricycles, five motorcycles, two mobile phones, and six vehicles.
North-East: Fight Against Boko Haram and ISWAP
Troops neutralized over 25 terrorists, including Abba Alai (Amirul Khalid of Alafa), arrested 14 suspects, and rescued seven kidnapped victims.
Recovered Weapons and Ammunition:
- 19 AK-47 rifles, 7 Dane guns, 4 PKT guns, 1 HK 21 gun, 1 QJC W85 gun, 2 GPMGs, 1 M60 MG
- 11 RPG bombs, 2 RPG tubes, 1 fabricated 60mm mortar
- 3 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
- 1,249 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 277 rounds of 12.7mm special ammo
Between February 27 and March 5, 101 terrorists—comprising 11 men, 39 women, and 51 children—surrendered. One individual turned in an AK-47 rifle and seven rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Operations were conducted in Borno State (Bama, Gwoza, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, Kukawa, and Mafa LGAs) and Yobe State (Gujba LGA).
North-West: Operation Fasan Yamma
Troops eliminated 11 terrorists, rescued four kidnapped victims, and recovered:
- 4 AK-47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, 43 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 197 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo
- 34 motorcycles, 8 mobile phones
From February 27 to March 2, troops carried out operations in Zamfara (Maru, Tsafe, Bungudu LGAs), Niger (Shiroro, Borgu LGAs), and Katsina (Faskari LGA). Additional engagements in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina resulted in:
- Neutralization of 4 terrorists
- Arrest of 12 kidnappers
- Rescue of 19 hostages
Seized items included 5 AK-47 rifles, 1 locally fabricated rifle, 2 Dane guns, 107 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1 magazine, and 3 motorcycles.
An airstrike in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara, targeted terrorist leader Yusuf Yellow’s camp, destroying key hideouts and equipment.
North-Central: Operations Safe Haven & Whirl Stroke
Troops arrested seven extremists and rescued two kidnapped victims in Plateau and Kaduna States. Weapons recovered included:
- 1 fabricated revolver rifle, 1 Dane gun, 21 live cartridges, and 3 mobile phones.
In Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), troops neutralized four terrorists, arrested eight criminals, and rescued four kidnapped victims. Additional seizures included:
- 2 AK-47 rifles, 29 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 vehicles, and 1 motorcycle.
South-East: Operation Udoka
Troops clashed with IPOB/ESN militants in Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State, killing two extremists and seizing:
- 2 pump-action guns, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 9 IEDs, 1 vehicle, and ₦17,500.
On March 3, troops intercepted five criminals in Enugu and Abia States, recovering:
- 2 pump-action guns, 1 locally fabricated rifle, 122 live cartridges, 2 motorcycles, and ₦8,000.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to combating insecurity nationwide and urged the public to support security efforts by providing credible intelligence.
