The Defence Media Operation, DMO has outlined the success stories of Nigerian troops in the fight against bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists.

DMO Director, Maj.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday while briefing newsmen about military operations in different theatres between May 19 and June 2.

Speaking specifically on each operation, he noted that Troops of Operation Octopus Grip and those of Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed 40 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region in the last two weeks.

He said 165 metal storage tanks, 72 ovens, 23 dug-out pits and five wooden boats were destroyed during the period.

Onyeuko added that the troops also recovered 1.1 million liters of crude oil, 456,450 liters of diesel, and 6,250 liters of petrol.

They equally impounded six trucks, three outboard boat engines, and one AK 47 rifle and apprehended 21 criminal elements.

He said all recovered items and apprehended criminals were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

“Troops have sustained pressure on economic saboteurs and other criminal elements, and this has significantly reduced oil theft.

“Operations were conducted in creeks, towns, and communities at Mosogar, Jesse, and Warri Road in Ethiope West Local Government Area, and at Banga and Modangho Creek in Warri Southwest Local Government Area of Delta.

“Other locations are Okubotowa Creek in Akassa Brass Local Government Area, as well as Ikebiri in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

“Operations were also carried out at the Gawthrone Channel in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers, Akpabiyo Local Government Area in Cross River and Effiat Waterways, Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom,’’ Onyeuko said.

General Onyeuko noted that troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have on 31 May 2022 repelled terrorists’ attack at Firm Base Arege in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State after intensive superior firepower inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists while others fled in disarray.

Troops also rescued 100 terrorist family members including 33 women and recovered a cache of firearms within the period under review.

The DMO added that troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have graduated 122 Local vigilantes trained to boost the security situation in Sanga Local Government Area in Kaduna.

Troops also conducted operational activities in some communities in Katsina, Zamfara, and the Sokoto States within the period during which 458 rustled cattle, 20 motorcycles were recovered, 152 civilians were rescued, 18 bandits were killed and 25 were arrested.

According to him, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE while responding to a distress call, neutralized one Mr Odada, leader of a kidnap gang along with 2 others dressed in military uniforms after a gun battle in Benue State.

Troops rescued one Mr Chimaobi Omemma, a businessman who was a victim during the operation.

Troops also captured one Mr Adamu Akure after an intense fight, while a gun runner by the name of Morris Ayitu, his wife and an accomplice Mr Julius Aseni were arrested.

He explained that all recovered items and apprehended criminals were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.