Troops Recover Over 315, 600 Litres Of Stolen Cruel Oil , Arrest 17 Perpetrators, Rescue 39 Kidnapped Hostages

By ZAKAA LAZARUS, Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says, it’s troops during an operation in the South South, has recovered about 315,700 litres of stolen cruel oil from criminals, arrested 17 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 39 kidnapped hostages.

DHQ also said the operation has denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of One Hundred and Fifty Nine Million Six Hundred and Fifty Two Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Naira (N159,652,620.00) .

Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba revealed this in a press statement issued to Defence Correspondents on Friday, in Abuja.

According to Major General Buba, “during the week in focus, troops conducted ambushes, raids ,fighting patrols and other forms of offensives against the terrorist. These offensive actions resulted in 43 neutralized terrorist and 115 arrests. Troops recovered 87 assorted weapons and 666 assorted ammunition.

“The breakdown of weapons and other items recovered are as follows: 11 AK47 rifles, one FN rifles, 2 pump action guns, 8 locally fabricated guns, 11 dane guns, 2 locally fabricated pistols, one macarrol pistol, one berretta pistol, one fabricated SMG, one locally made mortar with one empty bomb, 4 IEDs, 17 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 592 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 rounds of 7.5mm ammo, one round of 9mm ammo and 36 live cartridges.

“Others are: 18 empty cases of 7.62mm special, 2 bandolier, 13 magazines, 6 vehicles, 21 mobile phones, 9 motorcycles, 15 bicycles, 2 tricycles, 5 boafeng HH radios and the sum of N1,601,370.00 amongst other items.”he added

“Troops in the Niger Delta area destroyed 20 dugout pits, 29 boats, 31 storage tanks, one tricycle and 3 vehicles. Other items recovered incl 24 cooking ovens, 3 pump machines, and 25 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 315,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,200 litres of illegally refined AGO and 3,158 litres of DPK.

“The armed forces remains focussed and is continuing its counter-insurgency campaign against terrorist and their cohorts operating across the country.

Our operations have prevented these evil elements from accomplishing their strategic objectives. Accordingly, troops are hunting terrorist in their hiding places and conducting targetted offensives against the them to destroy them. Combat teams have neutralised several of the terrorist leadership and their foot soldiers as well as degraded their military capabilities.

Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba Nigeria As At 5 January 2024

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI ambushed BH/ISWAP terrorists in Biu, Bama and Konduga LGAs of Borno State. ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters surrendered to troops in Dikwa LGA of Borno State. Troops discovered and detonated IEDs in Gujba and Damboa LGAs of Yobe and Borno States respectively. Troops discovered ammo and arrested suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in MMC, Gubio, Ngala, Damboa and Monguno LGAs of Borno State.

Details as follows:

a. Ambush on BH/ISWAP Terrorist. Between 27 December and 1 Jan 2024, troops in separate operations ambushed terrorists in Biu, Bama and Konduga LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 terrorists and recovered one 2 Ak47 rifles, one FN rifle, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one vehicle, 15 bicycles and PMS amongst other items.

b. Surrender of ISWAP/JAS Terr Fighters.

(1) On 27 and 29 December 2023, 2 ISWAP/JAS terrorists’ fighters surrendered to troops in separation operations in Dikwa LGA of Borno State. The terrorists surrendered with 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 37 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo. Preliminary investigation revealed that terrorists were from Bama LGA of the state.

Between 27 Dec 23 and 2 Jan 24, a total of 112 BH/ISWAP terrorists and their families comprising 12 adult males 39 adult females and 61 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.

Surrender of Suspected Kidnapper. On 27 December 2023, a suspected kidnapper surrendered to troops in conjunction with hybrid force in Damaturu LGA of Yobe State. Troops recovered from suspect one AK47 rifle and one fabricated SMG.

Discovery and Detonation of IEDs. Between 27 December 2023 and 2 January 2024, in separate operations, troops while on patrols discovered and successfully detonated IEDs in Gujba and Damboa LGAs of Yobe and Borno States respectively.

Fighting Patrols. On 27 December 2023 and 1 January 2024, troops in separate operation conducted fighting patrols in Kaga and Chibok LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered 12 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo (belted), one motorcycle and one tricycle.

Arrest of Suspected Drug Peddler. On 28 December 2023, troops while on search and rescue operation intercept one suspected drug peddler in Monguno LGA of Borno State. The suspect was identified as Mustapha Umar. Troops recovered substance suspected to be cannabis and the sum of Seventy Thousand Naira (₦70,000.00) only.

Discovery of Ammo. On 28 December 2023, following a report of a discovery of ammunition while digging pipeline by a local, ammo buried in the ground was uncovered in MMC of Borno State. Troops were notified and recovered 113 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 2 AK47 rifle magazines.

Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorist Logisticians. Between 29 December 2023 and 2 January 2024, troops in separate operations intercept and arrested 7 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Gubio, Ngala, Damboa and Monguno LGAs of Borno State. During operations, troops recovered medical supplies, food items, PMS, charms and the sum of N7,410.00 only amongst others.

Neutralization of ISWAP/JAS Terrorist . On 2 January 2024, troops while on routine perimeter patrol observed a terrorist in ambush position. Troops engaged neutralizing the terrorist and recovering an AK 47 Rifle with 20 rounds of 7.62 mm ammo in Konduga LGA of Borno State.

Suspected Terrorists Incursion and Attack on Civilians. On 5 January 2024, troops responded to distress call on suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists attack on civilians in Geidam LGA of Yobe State. Troops made no contact with terrorists. On arrival, troops discovered that the terrorists had killed some victims including a member of local vigilante group and 2 suspected terrorists as well as setting ablaze 3 houses and a vehicle. Troops also, while exploiting the general area encountered explosion of IED injuring 2 personnel. Additionally, troops recovered 64 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one boafeng HH radio and one torchlight.

SUMMARY

Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 8 terrorists, arrested 10 and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 6 AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, one fabricated SMG, 12 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 257 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 magazines, one boafeng HH radio, one vehicle, one motorcycle, one tricycle, 2 mobile phones, 15 bicycle and the sum of N77,410.00.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN raided suspected kidnappers hideouts in Riyom LGA of Plateau State, as well as arrested suspected extremists in Zango Kataf and Bokkos LGAs of Kaduna and Plateau States respectively. Troops also arrested suspected kidnappers in Jos East LGA of Plateau State.

Details are as follows:

a. Raid Operations. On 27 December 2023, following a tip off, troops raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested a suspected criminal with one fabricated pistol and 7 cartridges.

b. Arrest of Suspected Extremists. Between 29 and 31 December 2023, acting on credible Intelligence, troops in separate operations arrested 3 suspected extremists in Zango Kataf and Bokkos LGAs of Kaduna and Plateau States respectively. The suspects have been on security agencies watch list.

c. Fighting Patrols. On 28 and 29 December 2023, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Riyom and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested 11 suspected criminals. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifle magazines, 3 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones.

d. Cordon and Search Operation. On 29 December 2023, troops while conducting cordon and search operation made contact with violent terrorist in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine, 110 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 motorcycles amongst other items.

e. Kidnap Incidents. On 30 and 31 December 2023, troops in separate operations responded to distress calls on kidnapping activities in Jos East and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State. Troops made no contact with the terrorist. Troops exploited the general areas and recovered one fabricated pistol, one fabricated gun, one locally made mortar with one empty bomb shell, 10 cartridges, 8 empty cases of 7.62mm special

f. Terrorist Activities. On 2 January 2024, troops responded to a distress call on the activities of terrorist in Wase LGA of Plateau State. Troops made contact with the extremists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one insurgents and arrested 4. Troops recovered 3 motorcycles.

g. Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers. On 1 January 2024, based on credible intelligence, troops with hybrid forces arrested 2 suspected kidnappers in Jos East LGA of Plateau State. Troops recovered the sum of One Million Four Hundred Eighty-Two Thousand Seven Hundred and Twenty Naira (₦1,482,720.00)

SUMMARY

Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 3 terrorists, arrested 20 and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 fabricated pistols, one locally fabricated rifles, one locally made mortar with one empty bomb, 110 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 10 live cartridges, 3 magazines, 8 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones and the sum of N1,482,720.00

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arreted suspected murderer in Keana LGA of Nasarawa State. Troops arrested suspected kidnapper and gunrunner in Karu and Makurdi LGAs of Nasarawa and Benue States respectively.

Details are as follows:

a. Arrest of Suspected Murderer. On 27 December 2023, troops arrested an alleged murderer in Keana LGA of Nasarawa State. The suspect identified as Samuel Uklan is alleged to be connected with the murder of one Mr Daniel Oinringiir on 26 Dec 23. Troops recovered one locally made pistol, magazine and a rounds of 9mm ammo.

b. Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers. On 30 December 2023, troops with hybrid forces arrested 2 suspected kidnappers’ collaborators in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspect to be involved in the kidnap and killing of one Alhaji Haruna after collection of ransom.

c. Arrest of Suspected Gunrunners. On 2 January 2024, troops conducted covert operation and arrested 4 suspected gunrunners in Makurdi LGA of Benue State. During the operation, troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 4 Dane guns, 22 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 4 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, assorted charms, one desert camouflage and substances suspected to be cannabis.

d. Fighting Patrols. On 31 December 2023, troops while conducting fighting patrol, searched a suspected terroris collaborators residence in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspects. Troops further made contact with terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist in the LGA.

e. Foiled Robbery Incident. On 28 December 2023, troops responded to armed robbery activities in Gwer-West LGA of Benue State. Troops made no contact with criminals. Troops further exploited the general area and rescued 4 commuters. Troops recovered one motorcycle.

SUMMARY

Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized one terrorists, arrested 10 terrorists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 4 dane guns, one locally made pistol, one magazine, 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 empty cases of 7.62mm special and one round of 9mm ammo.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted offensive operations in Batsari and Jibia LGAs of Katsina State. Troops conducted fighting patrols in Kankara, Jibia and Batsari LGAs of Katsina State as well as Illela, Isa and Birnin Magaji LGAs of Sokoto and Zamfara States respectively. Additionally, Troops arrested suspected violent extremists/insurgents and collaborators in Shiroro and Danmusa LGAs of Niger and Katsina States respectively as well as Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State.

Details are as follows;

a. Offensive Operations. On 27 and 31 December 2023, troops while conducting offensive operations responded to violent extremist/insurgents activities in Batsari and Jibia LGAs of Katsina State. During the operations, troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 insurgents. Among the neutralized insurgents was a kingpin identified as Aloda. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 mobile phones and one boafeng radio amongst other items

b. Fighting Patrols.

On 27 December 2023, troops while on fighting patrol made contact with violent extremists/insurgents in Illela and Kankara LGAs of Sokoto and Katsina States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 insurgents and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one locally made pistol, 7 dane guns, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one magazine and military accoutrements amongst others.

On 28 and 29 December 2023, troops in a separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Jibia, Batsari and Birnin Magaji LGAs of Katsina and Zamfara States respectively. During the operations, troops made contact with violent extremists/insurgents. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 insurgents and recovered one AK47 rifles, 5 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 11 motorcycles with Al Qaeda inscriptions amongst others.

On 1 January 2024, in a separate operations, troops conducted fighting patrols Batsari and Isa LGAs of Katsina and Sokoto States respectively. Troops made contact with extremists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 violent extremists and recovered 7 locally made guns, 2 bandoliers, 2 Boafeng radios, military accoutrements and 5 motorcycles.

c. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Insurgents. Between 27 and 31 December 2023, troops with hybrid forces in a separate operations arrested suspected violent extremist/insurgents in Shiroro and Danmusa LGAs of Niger and Katsina States respectively. During operations troops arrested 7 suspected violent extremists and collaborators. The arrested suspects includes a nurse administering treatment on a suspect identified as Mohammed Babangida.

d. Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 28 and 30 December 2023, troops in a separate operations conducted fighting patrols and rescued kidnapped hostages in Faskari and Funtua LGAs of Katsina State. During the operations, troops rescued 11 kidnapped hostages.

e. Arrest of Violent Extremists/Insurgs’ Collaborators. On 30 December 2023 and 1 January 2024, troops while conducting cordon and search operations arrested suspected violent extremists/insurgents collaborators in Danmusa and Tsafe LGAs of Katsina and Zamfara States respectively. During operations, troops arrested 6 suspected extremist collaborators. Troops recovered food stuffs, 3 mobile phones, PMS and the sum of N16,850.00 amongst other items.

f. Foiled Kidnap Incident. On 29 December 2023, troops responded to information on suspected violent extremists/insurgents activities in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. On sighting troops, extremists fled abandoning their victims. During the operation, troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.

SUMMARY

Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 11 terrorists, arrested 18 terrorists and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 7 locally made guns, 7 dane guns, one locally made pistol, 2 bandoliers, 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 magazines, 2 vehicles, 17 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones and the sum of N16,850.00.

The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH responded to kidnap incident in Bwari Area Council of FCT.

Troops also raided suspected extremists hideouts in Bwari Area Council of FCT and Tsafe LGA of Niger State respectively.

Kidnap Incidents. On 28 December 2023, troops responded to information on activities of kidnappers in Bwari Area Council of the FCT. Troops made no contact with terrorists. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine and 27 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.

b. Raid Operations. On 30 December 2023 and 1 January 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations raided a suspected extremists hideouts in Bwari Area Council of FCT and Tsafe LGA of Niger State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 11 suspects. One of the suspects claimed to be a serving ASP in the Nigerian Police attached to the IGP as bodyguard. While others include; suspected Informant/collaborators and kidnappers. Troops recovered one Macarrol pistol, 4 rounds of 7.5mm ammo, one mobile phone and the sum of Twenty Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Naira (₦28,700.00) only. Investigation ongoing.

Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested 11 terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle, one macarrol pistol, 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 rounds of 7.5mm ammo, one magazine, one mobile phone and the sum of N28,700.00.

Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft.

Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products. Troops raided suspected extremist militant hideout in Odual LGA of Rivers State. Troops also arrested suspected extremists in Ahoada LGA of Rivers State.

Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 315,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,200 litres of illegally refined AGO and 3,158 litres of DPK. Troops also apprehended 17 suspected oil thefts.

Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 20 dugout pits, 29 boats, 31 storage tanks, one tricycle and 3 vehicles. Other items recovered include 24 cooking ovens, 3 pump machines and 25 illegal refining sites.

On 30 December 2023, troops conducted a raid and arrested one spiritual leader of Wyclef a militant group in Abua Odual LGA of Rivers State.

On 31 December 2023, troops while on routine water ways patrol arrested 3 suspected pipeline vandals in Burutu LGA of Delta State.

Arrest of Suspected Extremists. On 30 December 2023, troops responded to information on criminals terror activities in Ahoada LGA of Rivers State.

During the operation, troops arrested 2 extremists. Troops also recovered one berretta pistol loaded with 6 rounds of 9mm ammo. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects were members of Green Landers Cult group under the leadership of one Mr VIP.

Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 315,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,200 litres of illegally refined AGO and 3,158 litres of DPK.

Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 20 dugout pits, 29 boats, 31 storage tanks, one tricycle and 3 vehicles. Other items recovered include 24 cooking ovens, 3 pump machines and 25 illegal refining sites.

“Troops also apprehended 17 suspected oil thefts and other criminals elements as well as recovered 3 weapons and 12 assorted ammunitions.

“Troops of Operation UDO KA respondedto kidnap Incidents in Nkpologu and Afikpo LGAs of Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively. Troops raided suspected violent extremists hideouts in Afikpo South, Ikwo and Enugu LGAs of Ebonyi and Enugu States respectively. Additionally, troops arrested wanted IPOB/ESN insurgent in Okigwe LGA of Imo State.

“Kidnap Incidents. On 27 December 2023 and 1 January 2024, troops in separate operations responded to a distress call on kidnapping incident in Nkpologu and Afikpo LGAs of Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively. During the operations, troops rescued 20 kidnapped hostages while efforts are ongoing to rescue the rest of the hostages as well as apprehend the perpetrators. Troops also recovered 6 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo.

“Raid Operations Between 27 December 2023 and 1 January 2024, troops in separate operations raided violent extremist hideout in Afikpo South, Ikwo and Enugu South LGAs in both Ebonyi and Enugu States. During the operations, troops arrested 8 of the violent extremist and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one Ak47 rifle loaded with 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one locally made pistol, 6 magazines and 116 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, one motorcycle, 8 mobile phones and military accoutrements.

” On 31 December 2023, troops with hybrid forces responded to information on armed robbery attack in Osisioma LGA of Abia State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects in connection with the robbery. Troops recovered one locally made pistol, 2 mobile phones and a bunch of master keys amongst other items.

“Arrest of Wanted IPOB/ESN Member. On 1 January 2024, following reports, troops in covert operation neutralised one IPOB/ESN member on security agencies watch list in Okigwe LGA of Imo State.

“The combatant engaged troops in a fire fight during the approach to his hideout. Troops recovered an AK 47 Rifle with 4 rounds of 7.62mm ammo, mobile phone with wallpaper content of inscriptions that read ‘never underestimate a man with BIAFRAN blood’ among other items.

On 31 December 2023, troops with hybrid forces while on patrol made contact with IPOB/ESN extremist in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 extremist and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 2 pump action guns with 16 cartridges, 4 IEDs, one vehicle, one mobile phone and one radio amongst other.

Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 3 criminals, arrested 13 suspected IPOB/ESN extremist and rescued 21 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action guns, 2 locally made pistols, 4 IEDs, 174 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 16 live cartridges, 6 empty cases of 7.62mm special, 6 magazines, one vehicle, one motorcycle, 12 mobile phones and one radio. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.