The Defence Headquarters says its troops has neutralised 28 terrorists, apprehended 113 and rescued 82 victims in various operations across the country in the last two weeks.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military across the country, yesterday, in Abuja, said the apprehended suspects comprised 92 terrorists, six gunrunners, three kidnappers, six collaborators and seven perpetrators of oil theft.
He said the troops also recovered 108 weapons and 564 ammunition, comprising 22 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, six pump action guns, four dane guns, one fabricated rifle, one galil ace rifle, one RGP bomb, one RPG tube and 44 hand grenades.
Buba added that the troops also impounded four pumping machines, five outboard engines and 33 illegal refining sites, as well as recovery of 1,166,900 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,491,250 litres of illegally refined AGO, 54,750 litres of DPK and 800 litres of PMS.
He said the troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 36 dugout pits, 62 wooden boats, 73 storage tanks, one vehicle and 75 cooking ovens during the period.
According to Buba, “Troops also arrested 18 terrorists and rescued two kidnapped hostages. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
“The operations, as enumerated, is indicative of the professionalism of men and women of the armed forces, their courage and bravery”, he said.
Buba assured troops will continue to use superior military force to eliminate any group or groups that constitute a threat to the safety of citizens and their own forces alike.
