147 suspected criminals, oil thieves arrested as troops rescue dozens

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ)  say  that security operatives have rescued 41 kidnap victims and arrested over 147 suspected terrorists and criminals across the country within the last one week.

This was disclosed on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, during a press briefing in Abuja.

According to Maj-Gen Kangye, troops also thwarted the theft of crude oil valued at ₦19.8 million in the South-South region.

Providing further details, he said that between 15 September and Monday, troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East arrested 26 suspected terrorist collaborators and successfully rescued three kidnap victims.

He noted that various items were recovered from the terrorists, including vehicles, motorcycles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and large quantities of fabric suspected to be used for disguises or trade.

In a separate operation, troops apprehended 80 suspected terrorists, including two of their leaders – Abubakar Ahmadu and Saawuan Wuaiyolna. Wuaiyolna, according to Kangye, is a known member of a notorious syndicate and had been on the military’s wanted list.

In the South-South region, 19 suspected oil thieves and nine other criminals were arrested. Additionally, nine kidnap victims were rescued.

Troops also discovered and destroyed 16 illegal refining sites, 14 crude oil cooking ovens, 7 dugout pits, 11 boats and  and 8 storage tanks

Maj-Gen Kangye emphasised that the armed forces would continue to take decisive action against criminals threatening national security and economic stability.