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.

UNGA79: Nigeria demands UN Security Council seat

Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, says Nigeria has earned the right to become a member of the UN Security Council after contributing to 41 peacekeeping missions, deploying over 200,000 troops.

Badaru said this in his address at the Summit of the Future interactive dialogue 2, titled: “Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security,” on Sunday in NewYork, US.

The summit is part of the events at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Badaru, who also spoke with State House correspondents at the Nigerian House in New York, said Nigeria had a longstanding commitment to international peace and security.

“Since our first deployment in the Congo in 1960, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping missions globally,” he stated, highlighting the deployment of over 200,000 Nigerian troops in UN operations.

Badaru called for reform of the UN Security Council to ensure Africa was represented with permanent seats, arguing that this would enhance global stability.

“Nigeria has remained unequivocal in its commitment to international peacebuilding and security, since the first engagement of its troops in the Congo in 1960.

“To date, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping operations worldwide, with over two hundred thousand Nigerian troops serving in UN peacekeeping missions,” he said.

According to the minister, under the regional and sub-regional cooperation, Nigeria has been involved in peacekeeping operations in field missions in several countries.

He said the countries included Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Sudan and Sierra Leone, among others.

He said Nigeria had contributed a lot in terms of finance, logistics, troops and civilian experts, making it one of the most significant African troops and police contributors to the United Nations missions.

“It is on this basis that Nigeria continues to call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to give just representation to Africa on a permanent basis for inclusivity and deepening of global peace and security,” he said.

The Defence Minister stressed the importance of building professional African armies to combat terrorism and called for the operationalisation of the African Standby Force.

He also highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle transnational crime and illegal arms trafficking, particularly in the Sahel region.

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.