No fewer than 22 terrorists were killed across theatres of operations in north as 240 terrorist fighters and their families surrendered to state forces in the region within one week, while, 22 illegal refining sites were discovered and destroyed in the Niger Delta region within the same period, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), said.
In a statement over the weekend, the Directorate of Defence Media Operation, said that 67 terrorists, economic saboteurs, their informants and logistics suppliers were also nabbed within the period.
The statement added that over 120 kidnapped civilians were rescued, while, cache of arms and ammunition were also intercepted across all theatres of operations in the federation.
The statement reads in part, “This statement will cover significant operational activities across the 6 geopolitical for the period 6 – 13 July 2023. The brief will begin with the North East and North Central zones. Then, the North West, South South and South East zones.
“Due to the offensive by the troops against the Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, a total of 240 terrorists and their families comprising 24 adult males, 79 adult females and 134 children surrendered at different locations within the theatre of operation with five AK47 rifles,13 AK47 rifle magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one dane gun, one hand grenade amongst other items. Accordingly, within the week in review, troops recovered nine AK47 rifles, 20 AK47 rifle magazines, 104 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, two dane guns and one hand grenade. Others include 15 pairs of new slippers, three gallons of Premium Motor Spirit, four cartons of dry fishers, food stuffs, clothing, three motorcycles, foir bicycles and the sum of Fifteen Thousand Two Hundred Naira (N15,200.00) only.
Troops also arrested 13 suspected criminals and rescued 117 kidnapped civilians”.
All recovered items arrested suspects and rescued kidnapped civilian, the military said, have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action while the arrested terrorist and surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families were profiled and documented for further action.
Meanwhile, troops of operations Delta Safe, uncovered and destroy 22 Illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens and 16 dugout pits.
Troops equally recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 220 assorted rounds of ammunition, six calibers of weapons, three vehicles and 10 motorcycles.
Troops also nabbed 43 suspected criminals within the period.
The statement concluded a total of Two Hundred and Two Million Seven Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand Three Hundred Naira were denied the oil thefts during the period in focus.
