Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says 35 terrorists were neutralised, 62 arrested and 253 kidnapped victims rescued across the country.
The Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Benard Onyeuko, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja whilst briefing journalists on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in conjunction with other security agencies across the country between May 19 and June 2, 2022.
General Onyeuko noted that troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have on 31 May,2022 repelled terrorists’ attack at Firm Base Arege in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State after an intensive superior fire power inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists while others fled in disarray.
Troops also rescued 100 terrorists family members which included 33 women and recovered cache of firearms within the period under review.
The DMO added that troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have graduated 122 Local vigilantes trained to boost security situation in Sanga Local Government Area in Kaduna.
Troops also conducted operational activities in some communities in Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States within the period during which 458 rustled cattle, 20 motorcycles were recovered,152 civilian rescued, 18 bandits were killed while 25 arrested.
Under Operation OCTOPUS GRIP, Major General Onyeuko stated that troops in conjunction with Operation DELTA SAFE, have sustained onslaught against economic saboteurs in Niger Delta leading to the reduction of the activities of oil thieves and other criminalities in the zone.
“Cumulatively, within the period under review, troops discovered and destroyed 40 illegal refineries, 165 metal storage tanks, 72 ovens, 23 dug out pits, 5 wooden boats, Also, recovered are One Million One Hundred and Seven Thousand Four Hundred (1,107,400) litres of crude oil, Four Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand Four Hundred and Fifty (456,450) litres of AGO, Six Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty (6,250) litres of PMS, 6 trucks, 3 outbound engines, 1 AK 47 rifles, troops also apprehended 21 criminal elements.”
According to him, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE while responding on a distress call, neutralized one Mr. Odada , leader of kidnapped gang along 2 others dressed in military uniform after a gun battle in Benue State.
Troops rescued one Mr Chimaobi Omemma , a business man who was a victim during the operation.
Troops also captured one Mr Adamu Akure after an intensed fight,while a gun runner by name Morris Ayitu , his wife and an accomplice Mr Julius Aseni were arrested.
He explained that, all recovered items and apprehended criminals were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
