By Sumaila Ogbaje
Troops of the Nigerian military have rescued 22 people, arrested suspected criminals and recovered about 9,794 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products in nationwide operations.
An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the operations were conducted between Nov. 10 and 12 across multiple theatres.
In Zamfara, the report said troops of 1 Brigade, under Operation Fansan Yamma, rescued three kidnapped victims along the Kombo-Guruzu road in Anka Local Government Area.
It said the troops responded to reports of terrorist activities in the area, forcing the suspected attackers to flee.
According to the report, rescued victims were subsequently handed over to a community leader in Guruzu.
The report also revealed that troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued 19 passengers after suspected kidnappers blocked a highway along a forest axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
It added that the suspected kidnappers reportedly fled with three other passengers during the incident, while efforts continued to rescue the abducted victims.
“In another operation in Plateau, troops and other security agencies recovered cattle rustled by criminals at Kuru community in Jos South Local Government Area.
“The recovered livestock were handed over to their owner, while efforts continued to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“In Nasarawa, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested two suspects over alleged involvement in kidnapping activities at Wayo, Wamba Local Government Area,” it said.
The report further revealed that the Nigerian Army troops, working with the Department of State Services (DSS), raided suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Egabada Forest Reserve in Igala-Mela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi.
It said that even though no contact was made, troops recovered a pump-action gun, 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a motorcycle, among other items.
In Borno, the report said troops of 18 Battalion, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), arrested a suspected terrorist spy at Molai, Konduga Local Government Area.
The suspect, according to the report, found loitering around a security position, was handed over to the 7 Division Garrison for further action.
“Also, troops and local vigilantes ambushed suspected terrorists along the Hawan Burum-Kobwa corridor in Damboa Local Government Area.
“The suspected terrorists fled, abandoning three bicycles and three mobile phones, which were recovered by the troops.
“In a separate incident in Borno, troops of 114 Battalion discovered and safely detonated an improvised explosive device along the Bitta-Gwoza road,” it added.
In Kwara, the report said troops of Operation Savannah Shield, working with vigilantes, raided the residences of two suspected terrorist collaborators at Oke-Ode community, Ifelodun Local Government Area.
It said the operation led to the recovery of five locally made guns and nine cartridges, while efforts continued to apprehend the suspects.
According to the report, troops of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, uncovered several illegal refining sites and recovered petroleum products in Rivers.
“At Ogbogolo and Okarki forests in Ahoada West Local Government Area, troops discovered six illegal refining sites containing about 2,350 litres of stolen crude oil in 47 sacks, alongside refining equipment.
“In another operation at Okarki Forest, troops discovered four illegal refining sites containing about 2,444 litres of stolen crude oil in 47 sacks and other equipment.
“The troops also recovered about 5,000 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil stored in drums and kegs at a building near Opobo Jetty in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area,” it said.
The report said the recovered petroleum products and equipment were handled in line with extant regulations.
The operations, according to the military, underscore its sustained efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities across the country. (NAN)
