The Nigerian military says its operations conducted across the country in the last one week have led to the killing of 104 bandits in the North-west, 92 Boko Haram terrorists in North-east and arrest of several others.
Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.- Gen John Enenche, who made this known at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, said the operations also led to the seizure of 721,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta and rescue 35 kidnapped persons held hostage by the criminals.
He said, “Within the period, the ground troops of Operation Lafiya Dole had no fewer than 17 encounters with the BHT/ISWAP criminals in the North-east theatre of operation.
“These encounters resulted in the killing of 75 BHT/ISWAP fighters, capture of large arms and ammunition, as well as vehicles and equipment. Also recorded were the capture of some criminal elements and spies as well as recue of 35 BHT captives, while 4 of their fighters surrendered to our troops.”
Continuing he said, “Between 2 and 3 June 2020, the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole conducted comprehensive precision strikes, to mark the launching of its subsidiary Operation Long Reach II on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno state.
“The massive air strikes resulted in the obliteration of BHT structures used as meeting venue at Mainyakare Village on the fringes of Sambisa Forest. In the process, several of their fighters were neutralized.
“Furthermore, 17 BHT/ISWAP criminals were killed by troops of 25 Task Force Brigade on 7 July 2020. A total recorded number of 92 enemies of our country were deleted in the North-east Zone within the period under review.
Speaking on military operation in the Niger-Delta, Enenche said troops recovered 721,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta
“Similarly, troops of Sector 1 Operation Delta Safe in conjunction with Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS have deactivated all Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) identified within Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) pipeline general area.
“During the operations, a total of 17 IRS were deactivated at Agor-Illa Warri southwest LGA while 30,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 125.7 barrels of stolen crude oil were impounded.
“In another development,on 2 Jul 20, Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS took custody of TUG GULF EAGLE with 10 crew from Nigerian Navy Ship BOMADI. The vessel was arrested by Nigerian Navy Ship BOMADI off Ramos River Entrance for operating without her Automatic Identification System. At the time of arrest, the vessel had 125,000 litres of AGO.”
