Nigerian Army troops on patrol
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-
Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced significant breakthroughs in its fight against terrorism, with troops eliminating top terror commanders, rescuing 134 kidnap victims, and foiling oil theft worth N1.3 billion in July.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, announced this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja
He said the successes demonstrate the military’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace nationwide.
Key Terror Leaders Eliminated
Troops intensified offensives in the North East and North West regions, resulting in the elimination of five notorious terror leaders: Yellow Danbokolo, Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, and Ali Yar Daribiyar.
Additionally, a wanted terrorist commander, Ibn Ali, surrendered to troops alongside 151 terrorists and their families.
Arrests and Recoveries
The military arrested 578 suspected terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements, while rescuing 134 kidnap victims and reuniting them with their families.
High-profile suspects apprehended include gunrunners, kidnappers, cultists, and extremist figures, such as Yakubu Jubril, Abubakar Yahaya, and Prince Justin Ishimiri, a suspected cult kingpin.
Oil Theft Foiled
Troops under Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft and sabotage activities worth over N1.31 billion in the Niger Delta, recovering 974,976 litres of stolen crude oil, 269,257 litres of illegally refined diesel, and other petroleum products.
The military also destroyed 126 cooking ovens, 107 dugout pits, and 73 illegal refining sites.
Maj.-Gen. Kangye emphasized the armed forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, under the strategic guidance of Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa.
“The tide is turning against the enemies of the state, and we will sustain the momentum,” he said, highlighting the military’s execution of intelligence-led operations grounded in professionalism and patriotism.
The rescued victims were reunited with their families, bringing relief to those affected by terrorism. The military’s efforts demonstrate its dedication to protecting citizens and combating terrorism.
