No fewer than 96 terrorists have been killed by troops during operations in the northern parts of the country, the Defence Headquarters has disclosed.
In addition, the operations resulted in the arrest of 227 people, including Usman Maisaje, a terrorist commander.
Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated on Friday that Maisaje was a close associate of Kachalla Boka, a wanted high-profile terrorist leader.
He added that the suspect was collaborating and provided the army with critical intelligence for future operations.
Buba said, “During the week, troops neutralised 96, arrested 227 persons, and rescued 157 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops in the NC operational theatre arrested a notorious terrorist commander identified as Usman Maisaje.
“The arrested terrorist commander is a close associate of a wanted high-profile terrorist leader known as Kachalla Boka. The arrest has been rewarding in intelligence value as he is cooperating and providing troops with much-needed intelligence for further operations.”
Buba disclosed that in the South-South, soldiers recovered stolen crude oil worth N712 million and arrested 45 suspected oil thieves.
He said, “Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed four dugout pits, 48 boats, 52 drums, and 38 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 55 cooking ovens, two speedboats, one tricycle, six mobile phones, six vehicles, and 60 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil and 76,800 litres of illegally refined AGO.”
Furthermore, Buba said soldiers recovered 71 sophisticated weapons and 1,463 rounds of ammunition.
