- Illegal refined AGO, stolen crude oil, others recovered
By Paul Michael, Defence Editor, Abuja
Troops have reportedly intensified their clearance operations across the country, leading to the surrendering of 7,000 terrorists in the last two weeks.
This was disclosed in a press briefing by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Benard Onyeuko, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on March 24. According to him, troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed 17 terrorists and arrest 35 others, The Trumpet gathered.
He said: “Other operations were conducteed in Marsele, Musini, Gwoza, Liman Kara, Mandara, Fadhis, Waitini, Galdekore, Izza, Garin Ba’abba, Sambisa forest, Ashigashiya all in Borno State. The operational achievement include neutralization of 17 terrorists, arrest of 35 terrorists, recovered 34 AK 47, 5 dane gun, 9 locally made guns, 270 rustled cows, 3 motor cycles, AK 74 and 13 bicycles used for logistics movement.
“While 7000 Islamic State of West Africa Province/Boko Haram Terrorist from different location surrendered to own troops. Troops also rescued 27 civilians. The surrendered terrorists have been profiled, while rescued civilians and recovered items were handed over to appropriate authorities for further action.”
Onyeuko also explained that the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji carried out air interdiction on 14 March, 2022 at Unguwar Adam village in Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State, where about 50 commanders and leaders of terrorist groups were holding a meeting. He said the airstrike led to the death of 27, among whom is one Mallam Sule, who is a brother to major bandit, Lalbi Ginshima.
He said, “Cumulatively, own troops neutralized 8 Bandits, arrested 7 bandits, rescued 56 civilians and recovered 1 AK 47 rifles, 2 generators, 3 MC, 1 motorcycle and 1 pumping machine. All arrested, rescued civilians and recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.”
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This is just as troops of Operation Delta Safe in the creeksarea of Niger Delta recovered 6,679,000 litres of illegal refined AGO and 4,436,000 litres of stolen crude oil in the last two weeks.
“During the operations, troops also discovered and destroyed 49 illegal refineries, 275 polythene bags containing illegal refined AGO, 146 ovens, 145 receivers, 4 boilers, 125 metal storage tanks, 8 GP tanks, 19 drums, 69 50litres jerry cans, 81 galvanized pipes, 85 dugout pits, 5 warehouses and pots containing illegal refined AGO.
“Cumulatively, troops within the period under review neutralized 1 militant, recovered Six Million Six Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand (6,679,000) litres of illegal refined AGO, Four Million Four Hundred Thirty-Six Thousand (4,436,000) litres of stolen crude oil, 1 gun boat, I BMG gun, 1 AK 47 rifle, 5 MCs, several rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 motorcycles, 20 wooden boats, 15 pumping machines, 2 trucks, 1 ford, 3 speedboats, 5 engines, 1 keke, 5 vehicles,” General Onyeuko added He further disclosed that 70 economic saboteurs associated with pipeline vandalization and other criminal elements were also apprehended.
The General also stated that the Nigerian Navy in conjunction with US AFRICOM organized the 12th Edition of Exercise Obangame Express which was designed to create enabling environment and freedom of Navigation in the Gulf of Guinea and to create regional collaboration through joint operations and to checkmate illegal economic activities on our coastal water.
“The Exercise was held from 11 – 18 March 2022.4. During the Exercise own patrol vessels intercepted fishing vessels carrying out illegal fishing activities on our coastal waters. The vessels are FV MAGNOLTA and FV JASMIN.
“Also, MT QUEEN OF PEACE was intercepted with loaded 1,257 cubic metres of stolen crude oil with 14 crew members on board, while MT HARBOUR SPIRIT was also intercepted for suspected illegal activities and forged documents. A total of 16 vessels, 21 crew members were interrogated and 5 arrested with in the Exercise period. The overall assessment of the Exercise was adjudged successful as it lived up to it bidding,” he said.
