I n a decisive crackdown on criminal activities, Nigerian troops neutralized 82 terrorists, arrested 198 suspects, and rescued 93 kidnapped victims across various operations last week, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Friday. The offensive, carried out between February 14 and 21, also led to the recovery of 86 high-caliber weapons, 2,040 rounds of ammunition, and the destruction of an oil theft syndicate valued at over ₦587 million.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, described the mission as a major offensive against insurgency and organized crime.
Major Breakthroughs Across Regions
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai forced 41 terrorists—10 men, 12 women, and 19 children—to surrender, relinquishing a PKT machine gun, assorted ammunition, and other deadly weapons.
Meanwhile, in the Niger Delta, security forces dismantled a large-scale illegal oil refining operation, seizing:
- 366,530 liters of stolen crude oil
- 117,320 liters of illegally refined diesel
- 600 liters of kerosene
Troops also set fire to multiple illegal refining sites, destroying 38 cooking ovens, 27 pits, 22 boats, three speedboats, 60 storage tanks, 34 drums, and 32 illicit refining locations. A total of 22 individuals were arrested in connection with oil theft, with the total value of the intercepted resources estimated at ₦587,190,740.
Heavy Weapons Seized
The military’s firepower haul included:
- 46 AK-47 rifles
- 18 locally made guns
- 19 Dane guns
- Three pump-action shotguns
- 1,165 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- 128 NATO rounds
- 600 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition
- 51 cartridges
Additionally, security forces confiscated 152 assorted arms, multiple magazines, and other combat gear used by criminal elements.
Public Reactions and Ongoing Efforts
The military’s success sparked widespread reactions, with many praising the security forces for their aggressive offensive against terrorism and oil theft. However, concerns remain over persistent attacks by bandit groups in certain regions, particularly in Niger State.
Major General Kangye reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stating: "We are executing our constitutional duty with full force. The fight against terrorism and economic sabotage continues."
With ongoing military operations and fresh deployments, security forces remain on high alert. Whether these efforts will significantly weaken insurgent and criminal networks in the long run remains to be seen. The battle is far from over.
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