By Milcah Tanimu
The Armed Forces of Nigeria achieved significant successes in recent operations, arresting a wanted cross-border terrorist leader, Abubakar Bawa Ibrahim (also known as Habu Dogo), along with 262 others, and killing 187 terrorists. The arrest occurred in Rumji Village, Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced these developments, stating that ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations have severely degraded the combat capacity of terrorists across the country. Habu Dogo had been on the security watch list in Nigeria and Niger Republic due to the cross-border nature of his activities.
In related efforts, troops in the South East apprehended seven commanders and operatives associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Notable arrests include Dr. Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha (aka Chapet) in Ihiala LGA, Anambra State, along with others in Abia and Imo States.
Overall, during the reviewed period, troops neutralized 187 terrorists and made 262 arrests. Additionally, they apprehended 39 individuals involved in oil theft and rescued 147 kidnapped victims. The military operation disrupted oil theft valued at over N1.25 billion.
Troops also confiscated 205 assorted weapons and 5,241 rounds of ammunition. In the Niger Delta, they destroyed 49 crude oil cooking ovens, 11 dugout pits, and numerous illegal refining sites, while recovering 1,090,135 liters of stolen crude oil and 873,510 liters of illegally refined petroleum products.
