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Enioluwa Adeniyi
Guest
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops conducting operations in Northern Nigeria have successfully eliminated 96 terrorists and arrested 227 suspects, including a high-profile terrorist commander.
In a statement released on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Buba Edward, confirmed that the operation led to the capture of Usman Maisaje, identified as a close associate of the notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Boka, who is currently on the run.
General Edward highlighted the significance of Maisaje’s arrest, noting that he has been cooperative with the troops and has provided valuable intelligence that will aid further military operations against terrorist groups in the region.
The DHQ emphasized its commitment to intensifying efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of citizens in Northern Nigeria. The ongoing operations are part of a broader strategy to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace to affected areas.
Buba said, “During the week, troops neutralised 96 arrested 227 persons, and rescued 157 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops in the NC operational theatre arrested a notorious terrorist commander identified as Usman Maisaje.
“The arrested terrorist commander is a close associate of a wanted high-profile terrorist leader known as Kachalla Boka. The arrest has been rewarding in intelligence value as he is cooperating and providing troops with much-needed intelligence for further operations.”
Buba said troops recovered crude oil worth N712m in the South-South and arrested 45 suspended oil thieves.
He said, “Meanwhile In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N712,065,450.00 only. Troops also arrested 45 perpetrators of oil theft.
“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 4 dugout pits, 48 boats, 52 drums and 38 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 55 cooking ovens, 2 speedboats, one tricycle, 6 mobile phones, 6 vehicles and 60 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil and 76,800 litres of illegally refined AGO.”
Buba further said troops recovered 71 assorted weapons and 1,463 ammunition.
“The breakdown is as follows: 50 AK47 rifles, 16 fabricated rifles, 5 Dane guns, 5 pump-action guns, 5 locally made pistols, one revolver pistol, and 16 AK47 magazines.
“ Others are 784 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 403 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 164 rounds 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 53 rounds of 9mm ammo, 67 live cartridges, one baofeng radio, 19 vehicles, 23 motorcycles, 35 mobile phones and the sum of N4,087,630.00 and 46,000 cfa only amongst other items,” he added.
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