In a recent update, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that during internal security operations conducted in September, military forces apprehended 450 individuals suspected of terrorism, banditry, extremism, and other criminal activities, while successfully freeing 180 hostages.
Major General Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the troops also welcomed 39 repentant terrorists who voluntarily surrendered. Additionally, they seized stolen crude oil valued at N112,175,220.00 within the same timeframe.
Providing a comprehensive overview of the month’s military engagements, Maj.-Gen. Kangye reported the recovery of 63 firearms and 4,475 rounds of ammunition. The forces also confiscated 294 assorted items, including grenades, materials used for crafting improvised explosive devices, handheld radios, motorcycles, vehicles, and other equipment linked to criminal activities.
In the South-South region, the troops made significant recoveries, including 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 1,900 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,475 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Furthermore, they dismantled 41 illegal oil refining operations.
“The troops have successfully retrieved a substantial arsenal comprising automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally manufactured firearms, and materials for assembling improvised explosive devices,” Maj.-Gen. Kangye stated.
He further noted that caches of live cartridges and various ammunition types were also uncovered during these operations.
The director emphasized that the military campaign remains active, with commanders continuously evaluating the evolving security landscape to maintain peace and prevent any resurgence of violence.
“Our commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to both international and national rules of engagement remains unwavering. The safety of our personnel and the safeguarding of innocent civilians continue to be our foremost concerns,” he concluded.
