The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced significant gains in the fight against terrorism and oil theft in Nigeria, with the capture of notorious terrorist leader Usman Maisaje and 226 suspected terrorists over the past week.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the operations in a statement on Friday.
“Maisaje, a close associate of high-profile terrorist Kachalla Boka, is providing invaluable intelligence, aiding troops in further operations,” Buba stated. In total, the Nigerian troops eliminated 96 terrorists during the operations.
The DHQ also reported substantial progress in the battle against oil theft, revealing the arrest of 45 suspected oil thieves.
Troops destroyed 60 illegal refining sites and recovered over 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil and 76,800 litres of illegally refined AGO, valued at approximately N712 million.
Buba elaborated on the scope of the operation, highlighting, “During this period, we rescued 157 kidnap victims and confiscated 71 weapons, including 50 AK-47 rifles and various types of ammunition.”
In the Niger Delta, troops dismantled 60 illegal refining sites and seized an array of items, including boats, drums, and vehicles.
The operations underscore the Nigerian military’s ongoing commitment to combating terrorism and oil theft and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
With these latest developments, the DHQ remains optimistic about the continued success of its operations against criminal activities across the country.