By IDOWU ISAMOTU with Agency report

The Defence Headquarters, on Thursday, warned Boko Haram terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements terrorising many parts of the country to desist from the acts and repent before troops descend on them in 2021.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. John Enenche at a press briefing in Abuja noted that the troops on land, air and water have begun changing of tactics and strategies to deal with the criminals and their informants ruthlessly.

He said, “Boko Haram terrorists, bandits and other criminal gangs should repent now as we cross over to 2021. Definitely, the message out there to the criminals is that, if you continue, you have indirectly signed your death certificate because it is a task that must be done.

“As we have been empowered, as we have signed for the job to defend Nigerians, to protect and secure the whole country such that economy and normal life can continue seamlessly. But for those who will have a change of mind before we cross-over from today till tomorrow, opportunities are still there. The doors are still open for repentant criminals to hang in themselves to the appropriate security agencies.”

‘2,403 criminals killed’

Enenche, who put the figure of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements killed across all the theatres of operation in the country during the outgoing year 2020 at 2,403, explained that the number was outside those killed during various airstrikes, that were not documented.

The senior military officer added that within the year under review, a total number of 864 kidnapped victims across the country were rescued by troops, 9,684,797 litres of stolen AGO, 33,516,000 litres of DPK were recovered, 1,910 criminal elements were arrested in addition to the recovery of large cache of arms, ammunition and equipment.

Enenche also said a total of 46,581.8 barrels of stolen crude oil and 22,881,257 litres of stolen PMS were recovered by the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria within the period.

He added, “The efforts and sacrifices of the gallant officers and men of the Military as well as other security agencies that conduct these operations have been progressive. Within the period under review, troops engaged in series of land, maritime and air operations, involving both kinetic and non-kinetic activities across the country.

“The land operations conducted among others across the various theatres of operation include; clearance, ambush, raid, picketing, cordon and search operations as well as artillery bombardments and aggressive patrols. Others were maritime operations involving anti-piracy, anti-illegal bunkering, anti-crude oil theft and anti-pipeline vandalism operations as well as other duties such as anti-smuggling operations.”

‘5,281 livestock recovered in North-West’

Giving the breakdown zone by zone, Enenche said that in the North-West, 5,281 livestock, 6,951 rounds of ammunition and 120 assorted rifles were recovered from the bandits during the period.

He added that 455 kidnapped victims were rescued in the zone, while 473 bandits were killed in action in the period under review.

“In the same vein, a total of 461 arrests were made in the Zone including high profile armed bandits, gun runners and bandit’s collaborators, while a total cash of N6, 365, 550 was recovered from bandits and their informants.’’

North-East

On operations in the North East Zone, Enenche said that 200 kidnapped victims were rescued by troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole, during the period.

According to him, 1, 385 rounds of ammunition, 45 grenades as well as 95 assorted rifles were recovered from Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the last 10 months.

“In addition, several gun trucks were captured, while some others were destroyed during air strikes.

“Equally, 1,805 insurgents/terrorists including commanders were killed by troops, aside scores killed by air raids/attacks.

“Additionally, within the period, a total of 79 arrests were made including high value targets.’’

South-South

In the South-South Zone, he said, the Armed Forces of Nigeria working with other security agencies recorded remarkable results in their efforts against economic sabotage and other sundry crimes in the Zone.

Enenche said that in the South South Zone, in the last 10 months, 8, 890, 300 litres of stolen AGO and 33, 516, 000 litres of DPK were impounded by troops.

He said that the troops also immobilised 85 illegal refining sites, 85 dugout pits and 163 metal storage tanks within the period.

The coordinator said that 31, 236, 8 barrels of stolen crude oil was impounded in the zone as well as 12, 272, 652 litres of stolen PMS from oil thieves.

He said that 47 kidnapped victims were rescued in the South South during the period, while 72 vandals and criminals were arrested.

“Furthermore, a total of 4, 250 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled smuggled rice were impounded and 45 boats engaged in illegal activities were arrested.

“Troops also arrested 53 pirates and 25 trucks as well as recovered 23 rifles, 65, 330 rounds of ammunition and destroyed 23 sea pirate camps.’’

South-West

According to him, in the South West Zone, troops impounded 10, 458, 600 litres of PMS, 15, 345 barrels of stolen crude oil and 345, 000 litres of stolen AGO during the period.

He added that 3,594 rounds of ammunition and 14 assorted rifles were recovered in the zone, while 23 illegal refining sites were immobilized, and 15 boats and 23 trucks engaged in illegal activities were arrested.

According to him, 35 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 48 arrests were made.

The coordinator thanked the general public for their support and further solicit their cooperation towards providing credible and timely information that would facilitate proactive engagements in operations.

He said that the Military High Command commended troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the country for their resilience, doggedness and commitment. (Daily Trust)

Update news