Military Intensifies Operations, Eliminates Terrorist Leaders, Rescues 157 Hostages

How troops intervened in 19 villages

The Nigerian Armed Forces have made significant progress in their ongoing operations to disrupt terrorist activities across the country. Troops have neutralized key leaders and made critical arrests that have bolstered intelligence efforts, according to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO).

In a statement issued on Friday, Major General Buba revealed that troops eliminated five key members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) during the week. Additionally, a notorious terrorist commander, Usman Maisaje, was apprehended in the North Central (NC) operational theatre. Maisaje is a close associate of Kachalla Boka, a high-profile terrorist leader still at large.

“The arrest of Usman Maisaje has been of immense intelligence value,” Buba stated. “He is cooperating with troops and providing much-needed intelligence to further our operations against terrorism in the region.”

Over the past week, the military has achieved notable successes, neutralizing 96 terrorists and arresting 227 individuals involved in various illegal activities. In addition to these efforts, 45 perpetrators of oil theft were apprehended, and 157 kidnapped hostages were rescued.

In the South-South (SS) region, troops prevented the theft of crude oil worth an estimated N712,065,450.00. The operations also led to the recovery of 71 assorted weapons, including 50 AK-47 rifles, 16 fabricated rifles, and five locally-made pistols. Over 1,400 rounds of assorted ammunition were also seized, along with various other items, including 19 vehicles and 23 motorcycles.

Further operations in the Niger Delta led to the destruction of 60 illegal refining sites, four dugout pits, 48 boats, and 52 drums, among other equipment used in the theft and illegal refining of crude oil. Troops recovered 712,535 liters of stolen crude oil and 76,800 liters of illegally refined diesel (AGO).

“The military remains resolute in its mission to eliminate terrorists and dismantle the infrastructure that supports their operations,” Major General Buba emphasized. “We will continue to degrade the terrorists’ capabilities and effectiveness through sustained operations.”

The statement underscores the Nigerian military’s commitment to securing the country and protecting its citizens from terrorism and criminal activities.