The Defence Headquarters has announced that Nigerian troops have killed at least 96 terrorists and arrested 227 suspects, including a notorious commander, during ongoing military operations in the northern region of the country.
In a statement released on Friday, Major General Buba Edward, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed that among those apprehended was Usman Maisaje, a high-ranking terrorist commander.
Maisaje is reported to be a close associate of Kachalla Boka, a notorious terrorist leader who remains on the military’s most-wanted list.
General Buba highlighted the significance of Maisaje’s arrest, stating that the captured commander has been cooperating with the military and providing valuable intelligence, which is aiding further operations.
“During the week, troops neutralised 96 terrorists, arrested 227 persons, and rescued 157 kidnapped hostages,” Buba stated.
“Troops in the NC operational theatre arrested a notorious terrorist commander identified as Usman Maisaje.
“The arrested terrorist commander is a close associate of a wanted high-profile terrorist leader known as Kachalla Boka.
“The arrest has been rewarding in intelligence value as he is cooperating and providing troops with much-needed intelligence for further operations.”
This latest development is part of a broader, intensified crackdown on terrorist activities across Northern Nigeria.
The military has continued to ramp up efforts to dismantle terrorist cells, targeting both high-profile leaders and their associates.
In past operations, the military has consistently reported successes, including the elimination of key terrorist figures and the destruction of their camps.
Successes In The South-South
In a related development, troops operating in the South-South region have made significant breakthroughs in the fight against illegal oil bunkering.
Major General Buba revealed that the military recovered crude oil worth N712 million and arrested 45 suspected oil thieves.
“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed four dugout pits, 48 boats, 52 drums, and 38 storage tanks,” he said.
“Other items recovered include 55 cooking ovens, two speedboats, one tricycle, six mobile phones, six vehicles, and 60 illegal refining sites.
Troops recovered 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil and 76,800 litres of illegally refined AGO.”
The military also seized 71 sophisticated weapons and a substantial cache of ammunition, including 1,463 rounds.
This offensive against oil thieves is part of a larger campaign aimed at curbing illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta, which continue to impact Nigeria’s oil production and revenue.
The recent successes underscore the military’s ongoing commitment to tackling both terrorism in the North and criminal activities in the South, ensuring national security across the country.
