The Defence Headquarters says the troops of the armed forces have within nine weeks, neutralised 23 terrorists, arrested 109 criminals, and five kidnappers.

It said one informant and 22 suspected oil thieves were arrested within the period across the country.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, who made the disclosure in a statement issued on Friday, August 25, 2023, added that the troops also rescued 41 kidnapped victims.

Buba said 231 terrorists and their families, comprising 25 adult males, 63 adult females, and 143 children surrendered to troops in the North-East.

He added that the troops recovered 41 weapons and 300 assorted weapons comprising 14 AK-47 rifles, one AK-49 rifle, two AK-47 rifles loaded with 7.62mm special ammo, and one PKT gun.

Others, according to him, included one LMG, two pump action guns, two locally fabricated pistols, three locally fabricated rifles, two Dane guns, one pistol, and two locally-made long barrel guns.

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Buba said: “Additionally, troops recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 AK47 magazine, one magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, 239 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, five rounds of 7.62 NATO, 44 rounds of PKT, 5 rounds of 9mm ammo and 6 cartridges.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 13 motorcycles, 22 mobile phones, one bicycle, 10 machetes, and a pair of camouflage.”

He added that the operations in the South-South geopolitical zone resulted in the arrest of 682,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 70,950 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 23,250 litres of DPK.

“All amounting to an estimated sum of N414.3 million denied to the oil thieves,” the defence spokesman stated.

Buba said the military would continue to relentlessly pursue the violent groups instigating insecurity and instability in the country.

He assured that the troops would continue to make improvements towards ensuring safety of citizens and restoring security nationwide.

The Star