WorldStage Newsonine– Nigeria’s Military has confirmed that over 100 terrorists arrested during its troop raids of Indigenous People of Biafra and Easter Security Network (IPOB/ESN) camps at Igboro forest in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State, are assisting troops to locate other camps, sleeper cells including and high profile individuals involved in the activities of the terrorist’s group.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba said at a bi-weekly press briefing on troops operation within the geopolitical zone that the arrest was made sequel to the killings of 5 personnel at a checkpoint in Abia, by IPOB/ESN. He said the military conducted several intelligence-based operations that led to the discovery and destruction of several IPOB/ESN terrorists camps across the region
He said those found culpable were detained, while those not culpable were released.
According to him, during the week under review, troops neutralised 197 and arrested 310 persons. Troops also arrested 22 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 251 kidnapped hostages. In the South-South, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Seven Hundred and Sixty Five Million Six Hundred and Fifty Four Thousand One Hundred Naira (N765,654,100.00) only.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 180 assorted weapons and 5,123 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 2 PKT guns, one fabricated Arty gun, one G3 rifle, 73 AK47 rifles, 17 locally fabricated gun, 21 dane guns, 2 pump action guns, 2 revolver rifles, one short dane gun, 3 double barrel guns, 3 single barrel guns, one pistol, 4 locally fabricated pistols, 5 fabricated baretta pistols, one berretta pistol, one jojef magnum pump action gun, one Exp 64 semi auto rifle, 10 hand grenades, 3 60mm mortar bombs, bandoliers and 10 fabricated Arty bombs.
“Others are: 3,207 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,022 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 243 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 240 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 132 rounds of 5.56 x 54mm ammo, 143 live cartridges, 59 magazines, one pistol magazine, one ECOME HH radio, 4 baofeng radios, 4 vehicles, 47 motorcycles, 21 mobile phones and the sum of N1,236,200.00 as well as CFA 608,000.00 only amongst other items.
“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 29 dugout pits, 22 boats and 26 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 66 cooking ovens, 85 drums, 8 vehicles, 3 mobile phones and 43 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 728,360 litres of stolen crude oil, 143,450 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,100 litres of DPK and 18,750 litres of PMS.
“On the other hand, the attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to weighty allegations labelled against the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) by the Zamfara State Governor in a recent interview on Channels TV. The AFN hereby makes it unequivocally clear that, it is a professional force that is subservient to political authority, particularly the political leadership of Zamfara State.
“The military will not join issues with the Governor, rather we choose the part of cooperation over conflict with the state Governor and look forward to constructively engage with him on these matters.
“Troops of Op HADARIN DAJI deployed to Zamfara State have lost 9 personnel so far in the month of June 2024. These killed in action personnel are a painful testament of our tireless efforts, commitment and sacrifice to restoring peace and security in the state.
“Nevertheless, the allegations against the military and security forces operating in the state really needs to be analysed impartially and understood. The situation underscores the fact that, winning the war without the support of the people of the state is close to impossible.
“Interestingly, despite the state being described as the epicentre of kidnapping. The state has no internal security operation outfit to coordinate activities of security agencies operating in the state, as is found in other states. This situation leaves much to be desired”.
