Troops Destroy 97 Illegal Refineries, Neutralize Terrorists Across Regions in August
Nigerian troops intensified operations against economic saboteurs and terrorists in August, destroying nearly 100 illegal refinery sites in the Niger Delta and neutralizing scores of insurgents across the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday while giving an update on nationwide military operations.
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe discovered and dismantled 97 illegal refinery sites, four crude oil cooking ovens, 11 dugout pits, seven boats, and five storage tanks. They also foiled the theft of crude oil valued at over ₦545 million, arresting 17 suspects and recovering 619,236 litres of stolen crude, 106,147 litres of illegally refined diesel, and other petroleum products.
Kangye added that troops seized 488 equipment used in oil theft and recovered arms, ammunition, and explosives during the clampdown.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted joint ground and air operations in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, eliminating scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, arresting 15 collaborators, and rescuing several kidnapped victims. Weapons, vehicles, and logistics supplies were recovered, while improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were safely detonated.
Similarly, in the North-West, troops of Operation Fasin Yamma carried out raids in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kaduna States. Several terrorists were killed, 23 suspects arrested, and multiple kidnapped victims rescued. Arms, ammunition, and motorcycles were also recovered.
Troops under Operation Safe Haven and Operation Whirl Stroke recorded gains in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Kogi States, killing terrorists and kidnappers, arresting dozens of suspects, and rescuing hostages. Notably, a kidnapper was intercepted in Plateau State while attempting to withdraw ₦3 million ransom from a POS vendor.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udoka destroyed camps linked to separatist groups in Anambra, Imo, and Abia States, recovering arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and IEDs. Banners and insignia of the so-called “Biafra Province Government” were also uncovered.
Kangye emphasized that the armed forces remain committed to safeguarding lives, protecting national assets, and creating a secure environment for citizens, including farmers returning to their communities.
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