About 2,403 suspected criminals were killed by the Nigerian military in various operations across Nigeria between March 18 and Dec. 30, John Enenche, the Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, has said.
Enenche made the figure known on Thursday in Abuja while giving an update on miscellaneous operations conducted to checkmate criminal activities facing the country during the outgoing year.
“This is in addition to scores of other insurgents and gunmen killed during airstrikes,” he said.
Enenche also disclosed that during the year, troops rescued at least 864 abducted victims across Nigeria.
He said that 9, 684,797 litres of stolen AGO (diesel) and 33,516,000 litres of DPK (kerosene) were also recovered.
“Equally, 1, 910 criminal elements were arrested and a large cache of arms, ammunition and equipment were recovered during the period,” the DHQ spokesperson said.
“Moreover, a total of 46, 581.8 barrels of stolen crude oil and 22, 881, 257 litres of stolen PMS (petrol) were recovered by the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
Giving the breakdown on the basis of zone by zone, he said that 5,281 livestock, 6,951 rounds of ammunition and 120 assorted rifles were recovered from the terrorists during the period under review in the Northwest.
He also explained that 455 abducted persons were rescued in the zone, while 473 gunmen were killed.
“In the same vein, a total of 461 arrests were made in the zone including high profile terrorists, gun runners and gunmen’s collaborators, while a total cash of N6, 365, 550 was recovered from armed men and their informants.’’
On various operations conducted in the Northeast zone, Enenche revealed that 200 kidnapped victims were rescued by troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole, during the year 2020.
He added that 1, 385 rounds of ammunition, 45 grenades as well as 95 assorted rifles were recovered from Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the last 10 months.
“In addition, several gun trucks were captured, while some others were demolished during airstrikes.”
He noted that 1,805 insurgents including commanders were killed by troops, aside from scores killed by air raids/attacks.
“Additionally, within the period, a total of 79 arrests were made including high value targets,” he said.
In the Southsouth Zone, Enenche said that the Armed Forces of Nigeria working with other security agencies recorded remarkable results in their efforts against economic sabotage and other sundry crimes in the zone.
According to him, in the last 10 months, 8, 890, 300 litres of stolen AGO and 33, 516, 000 litres of DPK were impounded by troops.
He said that the troops also immobilised 85 illegal refining sites, 85 dugout pits and 163 metal storage tanks within the period.
He added that 31, 236, 8 barrels of stolen crude oil was impounded in the zone as well as 12, 272, 652 litres of stolen PMS from oil thieves.
The Coordinator explained that 47 abducted victims were rescued in the Southsouth during the period, while 72 vandals and criminals were apprehended.
“Also, a total of 4, 250 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled smuggled rice were impounded and 45 boats engaged in illegal activities were arrested,” he said.”
“Troops also arrested 53 pirates and 25 trucks as well as recovered 23 rifles, 65, 330 rounds of ammunition and destroyed 23 sea pirate camps.”
In the Southeast zone, Enenche said troops impounded 10, 458, 600 litres of PMS, 15, 345 barrels of stolen crude oil and 345, 000 litres of stolen AGO during the period.
According to him 3,594 rounds of ammunition and 14 assorted rifles were recovered in the zone, while 23 illegal refining sites were immobilized, and 15 boats and 23 trucks engaged in illegal activities were arrested.
This was as he added that 35 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 48 arrests were made.
He said that the Military High Command commended troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations conducted across the country for their resilience, doggedness and commitment.
Enenche commended the general public for their support and further solicited their usual cooperation towards providing credible and timely information that would facilitate proactive engagements in operations.
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