By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian military in the last week eliminated 147 terrorists, apprehended 381 suspects and rescued 113 kidnapped hostages across the country.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said the troops recovered 74 assorted weapons and 3,498 ammunition, comprising one dushka, one RPG bomb, one RPG charger, 42 AK47 rifles, 10 fabricated rifles, and 13 Dane guns.

“Also recovered are one FN rifle, one revolver pistol, one locally made pistol, 27 magazines, one AK47 dummy rifle, one AK47 top cover and one Baofeng radio.

“Others are 288 rounds RG55 ammo, 40 rounds CJ95 ammo, 2,466 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 470 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 73 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, and 112 rounds of 7.62x39mm.

“They also include 42 live cartridges, six vehicles, 32 motorcycles and eight mobile phones amongst other items.

“During the week under review, troops neutralised 147 and arrested 381 persons. Troops also arrested 23 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 113 kidnapped hostages,’’ he said.

In the North East, Buba said that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, neutralised 81 terrorists, arrested 52 suspects, and rescued 34 kidnapped hostages.

He said that a total of 94 terrorists comprising 19 adult males, 26 adult females, and 49 children, surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.

In the North Central, Buba said troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke, neutralised 17 insurgents, arrested 101 violent extremists, and rescued 23 kidnapped hostages within the week.

In North West, he said the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch neutralised 39 terrorists, apprehended 192 suspects, and rescued 50 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered a cache of arms.

In the South-South, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe recovered 920,800 litres of stolen crude oil, 88,760 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 7,500 litres of PMS.

He added that troops discovered and destroyed 15 dugout pits, 17 boats, 62 drums, one receiver, and 27 storage tanks as well as 84 illegal refining sites.

“Troops neutralised one terrorist and apprehended 23 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremists and also recovered nine assorted weapons, 10 magazines, and 63 assorted ammunitions,’’ he said.

In the South East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised nine terrorists, arrested eight violent extremists and rescued six kidnapped hostages as well as recovery of weapons.

In the South West, he said the troops of Operation AWATSE apprehended five violent extremists and recovered four AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, and 110 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, amongst others.

According to him, the recently rejigged war against crude oil theft operations in the Niger Delta has begun to yield a noticeable increase in the nation’s crude oil production.

“Though we are not yet where we want to be in terms of daily crude oil production, troops will sustain the renewed vigour and momentum till the crude oil production target is achieved and exceeded.

“Overall, we are constantly assessing our actions, adjusting and amending our operations in order annihilate terrorists across.

“Accordingly, troops are working decisively to kill the terrorists, stop the insecurity, and ensure the safety of citizens across the country.

“Citizens are urged to note that, winning the war depends not only on the military, weapons, and finances,” he said. (NAN)

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