WorldStage– The Defence Headquarters has confirmed troops at various theatres arrested 452, discovered 53 illegal refining sites and arrested 81 oil thieves during it operation across the country in January.
Speaking at press briefing about troops operations for the month of January, Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja stated that troops also rescued 284 kidnapped victims, while124 terrorist with their family surrendered to troops.
General Onoja, however highlighted that the troops of Operation Delta Safe also thwarted oil theft activities of 210,200 litres of crude oil, 66,725 litres of AGO, 660 litres of kerosin and 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit during the month under review.
He said, “Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 53 illegal refining sites and arrested 81 oil thieves and other criminals, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.”
In the North East, he noted that troops of HadinKai denied Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists’ freedom of action in the North East region.
“For instance, from 1- 29 January 2026, troops conducted operations against terrorists across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States with successes recorded by neutralizing scores of terrorists. Also, 74 of them were arrested, while 40 kidnaped victims were rescued. Notably, 44 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops during the month under review. Interestingly, 5 terrorists’top commanders and 3 of their lieutenants were taken out during firefights within the region,” he said.
“In another development, troops of Operation HADIN KAI with the aid of air support engaged ISWAP terrorists and neutralised dozens of them in Timbuktu Triangle while several others fled with severe degree of injuries.
“Troops of Operation UDO KA responded to distress calls on terrorists, sea pirate, militancy and other criminality activities across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.
“It is worthy to note that, over 80 militants recently surrendered to troops, while 8 Cameroonian nationals were also rescued during cross-border patrol along Bakassi waterways.”
He said, significantly, crime rate had drastically reduced in the region compared to past crime occurrence.
Added that during the month in review, troops neutralized some terrorists, arrested 22 of them and rescued 11 kidnapped victims. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action
According to him, Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State during a firefight, neutralize 86 extremist, arrested other criminals, and rescuing 24 kidnapped victims. With the recovery of several arms an ammunitions.
