Troops Arrested 74 Terrorists, Rescued 318 Victims In November – Defence Headquarters

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops on internal operations rescued 318 kidnap victims, arrested 74 terrorists’ collaborators, oil thieves and other criminals in November.

The director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who gave the figures yesterday, said 69 terrorists’ and their families surrendered to troops in the North East within the month.

He said troops in the fight against oil theft arrested 25 suspected oil thieves and other criminals, destroyed 16 illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products worth N217,664,618.00.

He said troops also recovered 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO within the month.

He said, “Accordingly, for the month of November, several terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminal elements were arrested, scores were neutralised and over 69 of them and their family members surrendered, while 318 kidnapped victims were also rescued.

“Troops foiled oil theft worth Two Hundred and Seventeen Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighteen Naira (N217,664,618.00) representing quantity 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO, while 16 illegal refining sites were deactivated,”

The Defence Headquarters commended the troops for their bravery and urged them to maintain the momentum.

The director solicited continued sharing of credible information with troops to enhance military operations.

He said, “We continue to solicits the support of all Nigerians in this regard. We also call for support for the veterans by supporting the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem that was launched by Mr President on the 2 Dec 25 at the Presidential Villa. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is dedicated to continue to operate within the ambit of the law,”.

He assured Nigerians that the Military High Command were enhancing operational tempo in the light of the renewed security threats until peace is returned to all troubled areas of the country.

“ The AFN also wishes to inform all Nigerians that we are emplacing all necessary measures, systems and activities humanly possible to ensure that the remaining students recently abducted are rescued and returned to their families unhurt,”.