In a significant victory against insurgents and criminal elements, the Nigerian Army has reported the neutralization of 109 terrorists, the arrest of 81 suspects, and the rescue of 43 hostages over the past week.
The updates were shared by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, in a statement issued from Abuja on Friday.
Buba highlighted the tireless efforts of troops across the nation under various military operations, noting the major gains made in both counter-terrorism and anti-crime initiatives.
During the operations, Nigerian forces also dealt a blow to illegal oil activities, arresting six suspected oil thieves and preventing an estimated loss of N618.7 million in stolen resources.
A significant arms cache was seized during the week-long operations, with troops recovering 21 weapons, including nine AK-47 rifles, five fabricated rifles, four dane guns, and several locally made pistols.
They also confiscated a variety of ammunition, such as 97 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 22 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and five live cartridges, alongside other crucial equipment including radios, vehicles, motorcycles, and mobile phones.
In detailing the operations, Buba specified the successes achieved by different military units. Under the banner of Operation Hadin Kai, troops eliminated 64 terrorists, arrested 28 suspects, and liberated 14 kidnap victims.
Meanwhile, the forces of Operation Fansan Yamma killed 21 terrorists, apprehended 24 suspects, and freed five additional hostages.
The ongoing operations have been hailed as a testament to the Nigerian military’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability across the country.
“On January 3, 2025, the air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, as part of its ongoing offensive operations against terrorists, conducted an air interdiction at Alawa Forest in Shiroro LGA of Niger state.
“Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated, and their structures, along with logistics, were destroyed.”
Buba said troops in the Niger Delta region uncovered and destroyed 10 crude oil cooking ovens, 10 dugout pits, 12 boats, four storage tanks, and 10 illegal refining sites.
“Other items recovered include three pumping machines, 12 speedboats, 20 drums, two motorcycles, one mobile phone and four vehicles among others.
“Troops recovered 631,709 litres of stolen crude oil, 3,140 litres of illegally refined AGO and 2,250 litres of PMS.
“Troops are sustaining the winning ways of ongoing operational engagements.
“Accordingly, citizens will continue to witness the incremental effectiveness and efficiency of the armed forces.”
