Troops foil ₦98.7m oil theft, reaffirm commitment to national security

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and dismantling criminal networks undermining internal peace and stability.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, made this known on Thursday in Abuja during the weekly operational briefing. He said troops across all theatres of operation have maintained a steady tempo, neutralizing terrorists, rescuing victims, arresting criminals, and thwarting acts of economic sabotage valued at over ₦98.7 million.

Kangye highlighted that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South dismantled 11 illegal refining sites, seized boats, storage tanks, and vehicles, and arrested 13 suspects during the operations.

In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI achieved major successes by neutralizing insurgents and apprehending 16 key informants, collaborators, and logistics suppliers in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.

The operation also led to the rescue of seven kidnapped victims and the recovery of arms, vehicles, and ₦5.14 million in cash.

Similarly, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West sustained offensive operations across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger States, neutralizing terrorists, recovering arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and other items. Fourteen suspects were arrested, and six kidnapped victims rescued.

In the North Central, under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE, troops apprehended several suspects and freed 17 kidnapped victims during clearance operations in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States. Four individuals convicted of theft were sentenced to one-year imprisonment each.

Kangye further disclosed that troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN commander, codenamed “Gentle,” along with eight associates.

Another operation in Abia State led to the arrest of a female logistics supplier and the rescue of three children of a wanted separatist leader.

Commending the gallantry and sacrifice of Nigerian troops, Major General Kangye called for sustained public support and cooperation to aid ongoing military operations.

“The Armed Forces remain mission-ready, resilient, and determined to restore lasting peace and stability across the country,” he affirmed.