By 9jaeye 
In a major victory for Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that Nigerian troops on internal operations across the country successfully neutralized 118 terrorists over the past week. Troops successfully rescued 96 hostages, including women and children, from various hideouts in the northern regions of Nigeria, particularly in the North-East and North-West, where terrorist activities have been most rampant.
Arrests and Weapons Recovered
According to the DHQ’s Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, Nigerian troops also arrested 97 suspected criminals, including terrorists, oil thieves, and other elements involved in criminal activities. This follows intense operations to disrupt terrorist supply chains, recover illegal weapons, and safeguard citizens across different regions of Nigeria.
Troops recovered a significant number of weapons, including 43 AK-47 rifles, 14 fabricated rifles, one rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), 14 dane guns, five pump action guns, and several ammunition rounds. Troops seized 87 assorted weapons and 2,244 rounds of ammunition, significantly reducing the firepower of the terrorist groups operating in the area.
Crackdown on Oil Theft and Economic Sabotage
In addition to combating terrorism, the Nigerian military also cracked down on oil theft operations in the Niger Delta region. Troops discovered and destroyed over 44 illegal refineries, along with multiple dugout pits and boats used for transporting stolen crude oil. The troops also seized over 602,000 liters of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products, further dealing a blow to economic saboteurs in the region.
A Nation on the Offensive
Major General Edward Buba highlighted the continued success of the armed forces, stressing that they remain focused on eliminating terrorist networks and ensuring the safety of Nigerian citizens. He also noted that the military will continue to innovate and adapt its strategies in the face of evolving threats to national security. As rescue operations continue, the military’s success in liberating hostages and dismantling criminal networks offers renewed hope for stability in affected regions.
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