The Nigerian military has successfully thwarted an oil theft operation valued at ₦846 million in the South-South region, according to a statement released by Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence, Media Operations.
In addition to preventing the theft, the military’s operations resulted in the neutralization of 171 terrorists and the arrest of 302 others. Major General Buba also confirmed the rescue of 134 kidnapped hostages and the arrest of 25 individuals involved in the oil theft.
The troops recovered a significant cache of weapons, including 84 assorted firearms and 1,499 rounds of ammunition. Among the recovered items were one PKT gun, one G3 rifle, 44 AK-47 rifles, 18 dane guns, 10 pump-action guns, and 11 vehicles. Other items seized included 843 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 506 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 60 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ball rimmed, 90 live cartridges, five Baofeng radios, 46 motorcycles, four bicycles, and 52 mobile phones.
“These operations are a testament to the military’s commitment to maintaining security and stability in the region,” Major General Buba stated. The sum of ₦126,285.00 was also recovered during the operations.
