The Defence headquarters on Saturday disclosed that troops conducting counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations have arrested a notorious and wanted terrorist leader in the Northwest known as Abubakar Bawa Ibrahim aka Habu Dogo who is responsible for most of the terrorist attacks, killings and kidnappings, particularly in Sokoto State.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations said Habu Dogo was arrested in Rumji Village in Illela LGA of Sokoto.
“He (Habu Dogo) is a wanted terrorist on the watch list of security agencies both in Nigeria and in the Niger Republic because of the cross-border nature of his terrorist activities”.
Buba added that troops in the South East arrested 7 IPOB /ESN terrorists commanders and operatives during the week naming the terror operatives arrested as Dr Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha (aka Chapet) arrested in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, Mrs Ngozi Chukwuka and Mr Oyekachi Ohia arrested in Umuahia South LGA of Abia States.
Additional IPOB operatives arrested are Mr Ifeanyi Eze, Mr Augustine Udemba and Mr Onyedikachi Udemba arrested in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State. While Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke was arrested in Orsu LGA of Imo State.
Major General Buba disclosed that during operations across the country in the last week, troops neutralised 187 terrorists and arrested 311 other criminal elements including perpetrators of oil theft, while a total of 147 kidnapped victims were rescued.
“Troops in the Niger Delta area denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of one billion, two hundred and fifty-four million, nine hundred and forty-six thousand six hundred and thirty nairas (N1,254,946,630.00) only.
“Troops discovered and destroyed 98 illegal refining sites, 49 crude oil cooking ovens, 11 dugout pits, 72 boats, 21 drums, and 30 storage tanks among others.
“Troops recovered 1,090,135 litres of stolen crude oil and 873,510 litres of illegally refined AGO.
During the encounters, “troops recovered 205 assorted weapons and 5,241 assorted ammunition comprising, 2 G3 rifles, 2 PKT guns, 89 AK47 rifles, 22 fabricated rifles, 22 Dane guns, 2 FN rifle, 2 pistols, 2 fabricated revolver pistols, 27 locally made pistols, 19 pump action guns, 2 pump action shotgun, one DICON pistol, 8 double barrel guns, one Beretta pistol and 32 magazines.
Others are 1,862 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,244 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 131 rounds of 7.62 by 54mm, 959 rounds of 7.62 by 39mm, 352 rounds of 9mm ammo, 51 rounds of 7.62 by 51mm ball ammo, 662 live cartridges, 2 baofeng radios, 6 vehicles, 29 motorcycles, 55 mobile phones amongst other items.
(Vanguard)
