Military has reportedly handed over some repentant and rehabilitated terrorists to the Borno State government for possible reintegration back into the society.
This was disclosed earlier today, Thursday 20th March, 2025, by the Director Defence Media Operation, Major General Markus Kangye while briefing journalists at the new conference room of the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on the activities of the armed forces within the last two weeks.
According to the General, “The Nigerian military in conjunction with hybrid forces, ONSA team and security agencies continued their offensive against terrorists and other criminal elements in joint operations during the week under review. They conducted fighting and confidence building patrols, raids, ambushes and clearance as well as search and rescue operations with resounding successes.
“During operations across various theatres, several terrorists were neutralized. Their collaborators were also apprehended, while some kidnapped victims were rescued. The week also witnessed the handover of rehabilitated terrorists to the Borno State Government.”
Kangye also stated that troops arrested no fewer than 23 crude oil thieves in the Niger Delta region. The operations were carried out by troops of Operation Delta Safe operating in the region.
He further noted that the troops denied criminals involved in oil bunkering an estimated sum of N461,783,868.00 and recovered several items including vehicles.
“Between 10 – 20 March 2025, scores of terrorists were neutralized while suspected others were arrested. Troops also apprehended 23 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued some kidnapped hostages.
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“In the South South, troops foiled oil theft estimated to the tune of about Four Hundred and Sixty One Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty Three Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty Eight Naira (N461,783,868.00) only.
“The breakdown includes: 247,629 litres of stolen crude oil and 198,374 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 36 crude oil cooking ovens, 42 dugout pits, 28 boats, 33 storage tanks, 65 drums and 21 illegal refining sites.
“Other items recovered include pumping machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and some vehicles amongst others.
“Furthermore, 17 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition as well as one extra magazine were also recovered.
“On 13 March 2025, troops while conducting offensive operations, made contact with criminals in Nembe and Yenagoa LGAs of Bayelsa State as well as Ughelli, Wari North and Ethiope East LGAs of Delta State. During the operations, troops arrested 6 criminals and recovered some arms and ammunition from them,” Kangye said.
In a related development, troops also neutralised and arrested gunrunners and violent extremists as well as recovered a huge cache of assorted arms and ammunition across the country.
Kangye listed the weapons recovered to include AK47 rifles, locally fabricated guns, dane guns, pump action, locally fabricated pistols and RPG tubes amongst others. He also listed the ammunition recovered to include various kinds of 7.62mm ammo as well as RPG bombs.
The Defence Spokesman assured citizens that the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to carry out their constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and properties of all Nigerians in line with constitutional provisions, rules of engagement and Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations.
