By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have neutralized 92 terrorists, arrested 111 suspects and rescued 75 kidnapped victims.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosing this on Thursday during the bi-weekly press briefing held with defence correspondents, said the achievements were recorded between 27th February and 6th March, following conducted joint operations with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) team, security agencies and hybrid forces.
These operations include; fighting and confidence building patrols, raids, ambushes and clearance as well as search and rescue operations, conducted in the various theatres of operation across the geopolitical zones in the country.
Some notable activities are:
in the South South, troops foiled the oil theft of an estimated Five Hundred and Twenty One Million, Eight Hundred and Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty Naira (N521,802,360.00) only.
The breakdown includes 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). Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 87 crude oil cooking ovens, 28 dugout pits, 23 boats, 33 storage tanks, 61 drums and 47 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 2 pumping machines, 3 tricycles, 5 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and 6 vehicles among others. 18 perpetrators of oil theft were also apprehended.
In the Northeast, between 27 February and 5 March, a total of 101 ISWAP/JAS terrorists comprising 50 adults and 51 children, surrendered to troops of OPERATION HADIN KAI, with one of them surrendering with 1 AK47 rifle and 7 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo. Troops also neutralized a terrorist commander, Abba Alai (Amirul Khalid of Alafa).
In the Northwest, and air interdiction carried out by troops of OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA, following confirmation of terrorists’ activities at Yusuf Yellow’s Camp in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State on 28 February 2025 led to the neutralization of several of the terrorists and the destruction of their equipment and structure.
Offensive operations conducted by troops of OPERATION UDO KA in the SouthEast led to a fire fight with elements of IPOB/ESN in which 2 extremists were neutralized while 2 pump action guns, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 9 IEDs, one vehicle and the sum of N17,500 were recovered.
On 3 March 2025, troops while on fighting patrol, intercepted 5 criminals in Onitsha South LGA of Enugu State as well as Umuahia North LGA of Abia State and recovered 2 pump action guns, one locally fabricated rifle, 122 live cartridges, 2 motorcycles and the sum of N8,000.00 only.
All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.
Kangye assured that “the gallant men and women of the AFN will continue to carry out the constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and properties of all Nigerians in line with our rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for internal security operations”.
(The Fact Daily)
