The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 897 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region in the third quarter of the year.

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 also destroyed 370 wooden boats and recovered 48 assorted weapons and 672 assorted ammunitions during the period.

He said the troops also apprehended 447 persons involved in crude oil theft and rescued 48 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered 12.1 million litres of stolen crude oil; 2.6 million litres of AGO; 6,970 litres of DPK and 31,450 litres of PMS.

According to him, troops of Operation Delta Safe maintained the momentum against the activities of crude oil theft during the third quarter of the year.

“The air component conducted air interdictions on several illegal crude oil refining sites during the period, destroying over 100 of such sites, boats, vehicles among other equipment,” he said.

In the South East, Buba said troops of Operation UDO ΚΑ, neutralised 180 combatants, apprehended 354 IPOB/ESN criminals and rescued 148 kidnapped hostages.

He said the troops recovered 28 AK47 rifles, 44 pump action guns, 58 assorted arms, and 3,456 rounds of 7.62mm special, among others.

According to him, troops apprehended high-profile members of IPOB/ESN  at Agwu Local Government Area of Enugu State and several others who he said were assisting in an ongoing investigation.

Buba said the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the country had prioritised the killing of terrorist leadership and the destruction of terror infrastructure.

Troops kill 8 notorious terrorists, rescue 16 victims

Nigerian troops have killed eight notorious terrorist fighters and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages in sweeping operations against terrorists and insurgents in different parts of the country.

The Nigerian Army, in a post on its official X-Handle on Monday, said the troops recovered a haul of firearms during the operations.

The post said that troops had on Sept. 22, thwarted an attempt by terrorists to raid some villages in Borno for supplies and logistics and eliminated three assailants.

According to the army, troops recovered one light machine gun, one  AK-47 rifle, two hand grenades, five AK-47 rifle magazines, 200 linked Rounds of light Machine Gun and other materials, including money and phones.

The army also revealed that in another clash, while acting on credible information, troops cornered terrorists escorting abducted victims through Uvaha village in Gwoza Local Government Area.

“In spite of heavy rainfall, the troops went after the terrorists and eliminated one of them, forcing the others to flee, leaving behind 16 hostages.

“Among the freed victims were 10 men and 6 women. A follow-up search of the area uncovered two grenades, a bag of fish and sundry items.

“Meanwhile, in Yobe, troops set up a well-planned ambush while acting on intelligence about a group of terrorists receiving supplies from their collaborators.

“This led to the neutralization of 4 terrorists in Madza and Azare villages of Gujba Local Government Area.

“The soldiers captured two AK-47 rifles and two empty Ak-47 rifle magazines, as well as other sundry items,” it said.

The post revealed that troops deployed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)  also troops in synergy with other security agencies activated a stop-and-search operation on suspected vehicles and apprehended suspects at Kugbo, Abuja.

According to the post, a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of 178 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition concealed in a bag of flour.

“Also recovered from the suspect is a mobile phone and the sum of ₦29,000.

“All these efforts underscore the Nigerian Army’s unflinching dedication to wiping out terrorism, insurgency, and sundry crimes.

“The public is encouraged to keep sharing tips and useful information with security forces for prompt action,” he said.

Police rescue kidnap victim held inside ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ bag

The Police Command in Rivers has rescued a teenager, who was kidnapped in Enugu and transported to Port Harcourt in a ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ bag.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Olatunji Disu, announced this during a news conference in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Disu said that the teenager, aged 16, was repeatedly raped by her kidnappers after being taken to Port Harcourt.

He said that the crime was uncovered when officers at Abuloma Police Station received credible intelligence regarding the suspicious movement of one of the suspects.

“Upon receiving the information, operatives were swiftly dispatched to the area, and they arrested one male suspect.

“Officers rescued the teenage girl (name withheld) who had been held against her will by the suspect.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect lured the teenager from her residence in Garki, Enugu, placed her in a ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ bag and transported her from Enugu to Port Harcourt,” Disu said.

The police chief added that, upon arriving in Port Harcourt, the victim was taken to the residence of an alleged internet fraudster.

He said that the alleged fraudster and another suspect repeatedly had carnal knowledge of the teenager.

“The victim has undergone medical examination and treatment, while the suspects are in our custody,” he said.

Disu said that a manhunt for other suspects had been initiated.