The Defense Headquarters has announced that military personnel engaged in various operations across the nation have successfully eliminated at least 23 terrorists and apprehended 137 criminals.
Among those detained are five kidnappers, 22 individuals involved in oil theft, and a solitary informant. Furthermore, these operations, which took place between August 14 and 25, led to the successful rescue of 41 abducted Nigerian citizens.
In a statement issued by Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defense Media Operations, on Friday, it was emphasized that despite the daily sacrifices made by the armed forces for the security of the country, significant progress has been achieved.
As of August 25, 2023, an operational update spanning all six geopolitical zones revealed that the military had neutralized 23 terrorists, apprehended 109 criminals, including five kidnappers and an informant. Additionally, 22 suspected oil theft operatives were apprehended, and 41 kidnapped hostages were successfully rescued. Notably, 231 terrorists and their families also surrendered to the troops.
The concerted offensive operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI led to the surrender of terrorists and their families, including one of the missing Chibok School girls. This event transpired in the Dikwa and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno State.
Preliminary investigations have confirmed that one of the adult females among the surrendered group is Mary Nkeki, a previously missing Chibok school girl listed as Serial Number 55 on the Chibok Girls poster. The identified missing Chibok school girl has been transported to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital for further necessary actions.
Major General Buba also disclosed that during these operations, troops successfully recovered 41 firearms and a diverse assortment of 300 rounds of ammunition. The breakdown of seized weapons and ammunition includes 14 AK47 rifles, one AK49 rifle, two AK47 rifles loaded with 7.62mm special ammunition, one PKT gun, one LMG, two pump-action guns, two locally fabricated pistols, three locally fabricated rifles, two dane guns, one pistol, and two locally manufactured long barrel guns.
Moreover, an additional AK47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one AK47 magazine, a magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 239 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five rounds of 7.62 NATO ammunition, 44 rounds of PKT ammunition, five rounds of 9mm ammunition, and six cartridges were recovered by the troops.
The statement further elaborated that the troops also seized 13 motorcycles, 22 mobile phones, a bicycle, 10 machetes, and a set of camouflage attire.
In addition to these achievements, over 682,400 liters of stolen crude oil were recovered in the South-South region. This region’s operations led to the apprehension of 682,400 liters of stolen crude oil, 70,950 liters of illegally refined AGO (Automotive Gas Oil), and 23,250 liters of DPK (Dual Purpose Kerosene). These actions have collectively thwarted an estimated sum of N414,396,250 that would have otherwise been gained by the oil thieves.
