The Nigerian military says its operations conducted across the country in the last two weeks have led to the killing of scores of bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and oil thieves.
Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.- Gen John Enenche, who made this known in Abuja at a media briefing Thursday, said the soldiers also effected the arrest of criminals, including two foreigners, seizing several arms and ammunition from them.
General Enenche, giving an update of military internal security operations across the country, said the troops also rescued in Katsina and Zamfara states 29 kidnapped victims who have since been handed over to their respective state governments.
He listed the items recovered by the soldiers to include of 505 rustled cattle, 4 AK-47 rifles, one AK-47 magazine, 150 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition, 55 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 4 locally made rifles, and 5 locally made pistols, amongst other items.
Speaking on Operation Lafidole in the North-east, he said airstrikes by the military led to the destruction of tactical command centre housing some of their high value leaders and neutralized several of their fighters
“Between 18 and 30 June 2020, the Air Task Force of OPLD conducted intensive air strikes to mark the launching of its subsidiary Operation Long Reach along the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno state following concerted Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance missions.
“The air operations led to the destruction of a BHT tactical command centre housing some of their high value leaders and neutralized several of their fighters at Garin Maloma and Yuwe villages. Additionally, airstrikes conducted at Buka Korege, Bula Bello, Ngoske, Tongule, Bukar Meram and Warshale Villages led to the destruction of several BHT locations and gun trucks while scores of fighters were effectively neutralized, he said.
In the North-west, Enenche said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji under Operation Accord foiled armed bandits attack in Katsina and Zamfara states, killing 12 armed bandits and arresting six suspected bandits’ informers and collaborators across the theatre.
“Similarly, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji under Operation Accord also rescued 29 kidnapped victims in Katsina and Zamfara states. They were handed over to the 2 State governments.
“Additionally, the Air Component of the subsidiary Operation GAMA AIKI neutralized several bandits and arrested 2 other fleeing bandits who happened to be foreigners, during intensive airstrikes at Kasuwan Ango Community in Mariga LGA of Niger state.
“Furthermore, troops of Operation Safe Haven recovered a total of 505 rustled cattle in Plateau state between 24 and 29 June 2020 while troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recovered 4 AK 47 rifles, one AK 47 magazine, 150 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition, 55 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 4 locally made rifles, and 5 locally made pistols, amongst other items at Akaa and Mbagyeren villages in Ukum LGA of Benue state on 26 June 2020”.
In the South-south, he said troops destroyed illegal refineries and arrested two suspects.
“Nigerian Navy Ship Delta dismantled illegal refining sites. These sites were observed to have been reactivated with 6 ovens, 5 surface metal storage tanks and 5 dug out pits laden with about 57,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined AGO and 649. 1 barrels of suspected stolen crude oil.
“These sites are located around Otumara Community in Warri South West, Burutu and Bomadi LGAs of Delta state. Troops also arrested 2 suspects. The suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.
