By Benjamin Samson
Abuja
The Defence Headquarters Thursday said the current leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces has activated troops into ‘war mode’ to counter the threats of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and economic sabotage being perpetrated against the people.
To that effect, in the last one week, troops neutralised 23 terrorists, bandits and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) militants, rescued 17 kidnapped civilians and arrested 32 criminal elements including terrorists’ collaborators, logistics suppliers and oil vandals among others.
Director of Defence Media Operations Major-General Edward Buba said this at a briefing in Abuja.
…The recoveries
He said a total of N3.525 million cash, 125,000 CFA and 60 GHA Cedis were also recovered from the criminal elements after the various operations by troops and handed over to appropriate investigation authorities.
Proving further explanations on the operations, Buba said: “In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recovered 7 AK 47 rifles, 2 FN rifles, one 36 hand grenade, 100 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 2 mobile phones, 2 Cow, food stuffs, condiment, one cart and the sum of Two Million One Hundred and Four Thousand Naira (N2, 104, 000.00) only.
Troops equally neutralised 6 terrorists and arrested 8 suspected terrorists’ collaborators.
“The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air reconnaissance and intelligence at terrorists’ hideouts in Hyawa in Borno State. The location was active with terrorists’ activities, acquired and subsequently attacked with bombs. After action review revealed that many of the terrorists were neutralised and their structures destroyed.
“In the North Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 9 bandits and arrested 10 suspects while rescuing 9 kidnapped civilians. Troops recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 1 fabricated pistol, 1 locally made pistol, 1 Pump action ammo, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 motorcycle, cartridge, 1 mobile phone, machete, axe, fake Nigerian Police ID card and the sum of N35, 000.00 only.
“In the North West, following a tipoff, troops at FOB Danjigba arrested one suspected terrorist collaborator tasked by a notorious terrorist kingpin Nagala Jabbi to move livestock from Magami general area to Danjibga Cattle Market in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Troops recovered the sum of One million One Hundred and Four Thousand Naira (N1, 104,000) only.
“The Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji acting on confirmatory ISR that a terrorists enclave was uncovered, conducted air interdiction at Babban Gida in Kankara and Sola in Jibia Local Government Areas. The targets were acquired and successfully engaged with rockets dislodging the terrorists.
“Troops of operation Whirl Punch neutralized 9 terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1 Dane gun, 5 motorcycles, 2 phones and 322 livestock.
“Troops also arrested 15 suspected criminals and rescued 20 kidnapped civilians.”
…Niger Delta
“In the Niger Delta, troops of operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed 23 illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens and 16 dugout pits.
“Troops equally recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 220 assorted rounds of ammunitions, 6 calibers of weapons, 3 vehicles and 10 motorcycles.
“Troops also arrested 25 suspected economic saboteurs while a total of 60 suspected criminals were apprehended within the period and an estimated sum of two hundred and two million seven hundred and eighty-eight thousand three hundred naira (N202, 788,300.00) worth of stolen crude oil products was denied oil thieves,” Buba said.
On the intercepted oil vessel, MT Tura II, the DMO also said: “Troops destroyed vessel involved in the crude oil theft in accordance with the extant law for operations against oil theft. The vessel, reportedly owned by Holab Maritime Services Limited has a tank capacity of 800,000 litres. The vessel was previously named Ali Rita Bey.
“Close inspection on the vessel revealed that only two compartments were partially filled with about 150 metric tonnes which is approximately 178,000 litres. This quantity is less than a quarter of the vessel. The vessel upon arrest was moved to Oporoza in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
“The voyage of the vessel revealed that it originated from Lagos and was heading to Republic of Cameroon as its destination. The vessel Captain admitted to having been engaged in same illegal activities for over four years.
“On 11 July 23, the vessel was destroyed in accordance with extant operating procedure that stipulates instant destruction of any vehicle, vessel or equipment linked with crude oil theft.
“The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe also conducted air interdiction missions at Samkri and Elem Kalabari, respectively. Overhead the locations, the active illegal refining sites were engaged with rockets and some equipment were destroyed.
“In the course of operations, troops recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 550 assorted rounds of ammunition, 12 calibers of weapons, 7 empty magazines, 17 cutlasses, 3 vehicles, 19 motorcycles and 1 dagger.”
…South-east
General Buba also disclosed the feats achieved by troops in the south eastern part of the country.
He said: “In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka neutralised 1 criminal and apprehended 12 suspects.
Troops also recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 4 pump action guns, Dane gun, 86 live cartridges.
Troops also arrested suspects and rescued abducted civilians who have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
…Military confirms retirement of senior officers
Meanwhile, the military hierarchy has confirmed the retirement of senior officers following the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Christopher Musa and other Service Chiefs, as recently announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu June 19.
Also appointed were Major-General Taoreed Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar Chief of Air Staff.
Responding to questions from newsmen, Gusau said the senior officers turned in their applications for voluntary retirement from service based on the long standing tradition of seniority and hierarchy in the military.
According to Gusau, once an officer who is your junior is appointed as service chief, you are expected to honourably resign from the service.
However, he didn’t confirm the numbers of the generals that retired, saying, “it is submitted to the military secretaries and treated with confidentiality.”
He said: “As all know, the military is based on seniority and hierarchy. From the time that you are admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), you know who your senior is and who your junior is. Based on that, it is expected that once an officer who is your junior is appointed as service chief, you are expected to honorably turn in your application for a voluntary letter of retirement.
“As you all know, the right to appoint Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs lies with the president and commander in chief. He is empowered by the constitution to appoint any officer from the Armed Forces he so wishes as Chief of Defence Staff and service Chiefs.
“So, after the appointment of Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, officers that were senior to them turned in their application for voluntary retirement. So yes I confirm to you that officers turned in their application for voluntary retirement as a result of the appointment of Service Chiefs who are junior to them.”
