The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the arrest of notorious terrorist leader Usman Maisaje, along with 226 other suspected terrorists, while 96 have been killed by Nigerian troops within the past week.
In a statement on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, revealed that Maisaje, a close associate of high-profile wanted terrorist leader Kachalla Boka, is currently cooperating with authorities, providing valuable intelligence for further operations.
“The arrest has been rewarding in intelligence value as he is cooperating and providing troops with much-needed intelligence for further operations,” Buba stated.
In the ongoing fight against oil theft, Buba also reported the arrest of 45 suspected oil thieves, the destruction of 60 illegal refining sites, and the recovery of 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil and 76,800 litres of illegally refined AGO, with a combined value of N712,065,450.
During the same period, troops rescued 157 kidnap victims, recovered 71 assorted weapons, and seized 1,463 rounds of ammunition. The recovered weapons included 50 AK-47 rifles, 16 fabricated rifles, five Dane guns, five pump-action guns, five locally-made pistols, one revolver pistol, and 16 AK-47 magazines.
Additionally, security forces recovered a significant haul of ammunition, including 784 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 403 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 164 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition. Other recovered items included 19 vehicles, 23 motorcycles, 35 mobile phones, N4,087,630 in cash, and 46,000 CFA.
In the Niger Delta region, troops destroyed 60 illegal refining sites and confiscated various items, including 48 boats, 52 drums, 38 storage tanks, 55 cooking ovens, and two speedboats. Other recoveries included a tricycle, six mobile phones, and six vehicles.
The Defence Headquarters emphasized that the operations continue to make significant strides in curbing terrorism, oil theft, and kidnapping activities across the country.
