Troops foil ‘N2bn oil theft, kill 358 terrorists’ in January

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops foiled oil theft worth over N2 billion and recovered 2.7 million litres of stolen crude oil in January.

A statement issued on Friday by Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said troops under Operation Delta Safe, deployed in the south-south, also confiscated 42,515 litres of illegally refined diesel, 200 litres of kerosene, and 2,250 litres of petrol.

He noted that 59 suspects involved in oil theft were arrested, and several illegal refining sites were dismantled.

On counterterrorism and insurgency efforts, Buba said no fewer than 358 terrorists were killed, 431 suspects arrested, and 249 kidnapped victims rescued in the month under review.

He added that 370 weapons and 4,972 rounds of ammunition were recovered nationwide, including 105 AK-47 rifles, 25 locally made guns, and 32 dane guns.

He said 23 pump-action guns, 3,066 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 758 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 980 cartridges, 72 assorted arms, and 500 rounds of mixed ammunition were also seized.

In the north-east, Buba said troops under Operation Hadin Kai killed 193 terrorists, arrested 89, and rescued 39 kidnapped victims.

He added that 95 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, along with their families, surrendered to the troops.

In the north-central, he said troops under Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke killed 22 extremists, arrested 149 suspects, and freed 73 kidnapped victims.

In the north-eest, he said troops under Operation Fasan Yamma killed 102 terrorists, arrested 134 suspects, and rescued 100 kidnapped victims while recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition.

In the south-east, he said troops under Operation Udo Ka killed 41 terrorists, arrested 57 suspects, and rescued 37 kidnapped victims.

“Overall, the armed forces continue to fight admirably in defeating terrorists and their cohorts across the country,” he said.

“Troops remain focused on creating conditions in which the safety and security of citizens is assured.”