Daud Olatunji
Nigerian troops have dealt a severe blow to terrorist activities across several regions, resulting in the elimination of 82 insurgents, the apprehension of 198 suspected terrorists, and the successful rescue of 93 hostages during an operation spanning from February 14 to 21, 2025.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that Major General Markus Kangye, the director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Thursday.
Kanye said during this period, the operations extended beyond counter-terrorism efforts, with troops also making substantial gains against criminal elements involved in illegal oil activities.
He said across the Niger Delta, 32 illegal refining sites were dismantled, and significant quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products were recovered.
The seized items included 366,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 117,320 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 600 litres of DPK.
Moreover, the troops discovered and destroyed 38 crude oil cooking ovens, 27 dugout pits, 22 boats, two speedboats, 60 storage tanks, and 34 drums used for illicit activities.
These actions are part of a broader strategy to curb economic sabotage and ensure environmental security in the region.
In addition to the successes against insurgents and economic saboteurs, the military recovered a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition.
This included 86 assorted weapons and 2,040 rounds of ammunition, comprising 46 AK47 rifles, 18 locally fabricated guns, 19 dane guns, three pump-action guns, and various types of ammunition vital for sustaining armed operations.
The operation also led to the arrest of 22 suspected oil thieves, with recoveries including two additional arms, 152 assorted ammunition, five magazines, three pumping machines, one tricycle, three motorcycles, five mobile phones, and two vehicles.
The Defence Headquarters pledged unwavering support to troops engaged in various internal security operations across the country, aiming to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
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