The Nigerian military has intensified operations against militant groups, killing at least 92 suspected militants, arresting 111, and rescuing 75 kidnapped victims in the past week. The Defence Headquarters announced these achievements on Thursday.
Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided details during a press briefing in Abuja. He highlighted the military’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, militancy, and organized crime.
Troops recovered 117 weapons and 2,939 rounds of ammunition, significantly reducing the militants’ firepower. Among the seized weapons were 58 AK-47 rifles, 21 homemade guns, 26 dane guns, seven pump-action shotguns, and four PKT machine guns. Other recovered arms included two General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), a QJC W85 gun, an HK 21 gun, and an M60 MG. Troops also seized 11 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, two RPG tubes, and a locally made 60mm mortar.
In the South-South region, security forces cracked down on oil theft. They arrested 18 suspects and foiled operations worth about N521.8 million. Under Operation Delta Safe, troops recovered 452,396 litres of stolen crude oil, 224,175 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 1,920 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). They also destroyed 87 crude oil cooking ovens, 28 dugout pits, 23 boats, 33 storage tanks, 61 drums, and 47 illegal refining sites. Other confiscated items included two pumping machines, three tricycles, five motorcycles, two mobile phones, and six vehicles.
In the North East, under Operation Hadin Kai, 101 militants surrendered. They included 11 men, 39 women, and 51 children. Troops also killed 25 militants, arrested 14, and rescued seven kidnapped victims.
Kangye reaffirmed the military’s commitment to national security. He assured Nigerians that troops would continue operations within the framework of the Rules of Engagement and the Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations. He also praised the dedication of military personnel and vowed that security forces would dismantle militant networks and restore stability across the country.