In a decisive effort to combat oil theft and protect Nigeria’s resources, the Nigerian Army has successfully dismantled 19 illegal refining sites and confiscated over 170,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in a series of operations across the Niger Delta. Collaborative Crackdown Between December 2 and 8, 2024, troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, working in collaboration with other security agencies, executed targeted operations aimed at dismantling oil theft networks. The operations resulted in significant arrests, seizure of equipment, and recovery of stolen resources. According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, the operations also led to the demobilisation of 21 boats used in crude theft and the confiscation of various tools used for illegal oil bunkering. Key Successes Across the Niger Delta Rivers State Bayelsa State Akwa Ibom State Delta State Protecting Nigeria’s Economy The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to safeguard the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure, curbing economic sabotage and ensuring the security of vital resources. These operations underline their commitment to sustaining the economic well-being of Nigeria and its citizens. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The Nigerian Army, under Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai, has successfully neutralized Boko Haram commander Abubakar Shekau and four of his associates in Yobe State. The deadly confrontation occurred during a fierce firefight, where troops, supported by local vigilantes, repelled a Boko Haram attack on Sabon Fagi, a community in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area. The assault took place at 11:00 p.m., according to intelligence reports shared by security analyst Zagazola Makama. In the aftermath of the battle, several weapons were recovered from the insurgents, and the superior firepower of the Nigerian Army forced the terrorists into retreat. This victory is considered a significant blow to the Boko Haram group’s operations. Abubakar Shekau, a prominent figure within Boko Haram, was a dedicated follower of the terror group’s former leader, also named Abubakar Shekau. The slain commander’s father had named him after the notorious Boko Haram leader as a sign of respect for the group’s brutal legacy.
The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, have arrived at the Nigerian Air Force section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Soldiers from the Guards Brigade were present to honor Lagbaja and pay their final respects. The body arrived precisely at 9 a.m. On Tuesday, the Nigerian Army announced that Lagbaja would be laid to rest on Friday. Lagbaja, who was appointed by the President alongside other Service Chiefs on June 19, 2023, passed away on November 6, 2024. READ ALSO: Anyaoku Urges Abolishment of 1999 Constitution for Nigeria’s Progress
The Nigerian Army has reported the capture of a notorious terrorist leader, Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Habu Dogo, in the North West. This success, achieved as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations, marks a significant step in weakening the operational capacity of terrorist groups across the country, as noted in a statement from Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations. Habu Dogo, who is on the watch list of security agencies in both Nigeria and Niger for his cross-border activities, was arrested in Rumji Village, located in Illela Local Government Area, Sokoto State. Additionally, in the South East, security forces apprehended seven commanders and members of the IPOB/ESN, including individuals such as Dr. Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha, known as Chapet, in Anambra State. Others detained include Ngozi Chukwuka and Oyekachi Ohia in Abia, as well as Ifeanyi Eze, Augustine Udemba, and Onyedikachi Udemba in Umunneochi, Abia. Another individual, Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke, was captured in Orsu, Imo State. Throughout this period, 187 insurgents were neutralized, and 262 individuals were detained. Additionally, 39 oil thieves were apprehended, and 147 kidnapped individuals were rescued. In the South-South region, troops prevented oil theft valued at approximately N1.2 billion and recovered a variety of weapons and ammunition, including 205 firearms and over 5,000 rounds of ammunition. READ ALSO: EndBadGovernance Protest: Nigerians condemn treason trial of minors, labels Tinubu “brutal dictator A detailed breakdown of the recovered weapons includes G3 rifles, AK47s, pistols, and several types of locally made firearms, along with thousands of rounds of ammunition of various calibers. Troops also seized communication equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, and mobile phones. Operations in the Niger Delta region led to the destruction of 49 illegal oil cooking ovens, numerous storage facilities, and 98 unauthorized refining sites. The recovered items in this region include boats, vehicles, and significant quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), totaling over a million liters. We love to have you back, Kindly Subscribe to our Newsletter Join our WhatsApp Channel Here
In a formal ceremony, major general Olufemi Oluyede assumed the position of acting chief of army staff (COAS). Until Taoreed Lagbaja, the substantive COAS, returns from his medical absence, Oluyede will fill the role. In a statement released on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special assistant on strategy and information, announced his appointment. Christopher Musa, the chief of defense staff (CDS), stated during the occasion that the appointment was required for continuity. In order to maintain continuity, the president chose to name an acting chief of army staff. He stated, “We cannot afford to go back and let insecurity rule the day.” “It is crucial that we all comprehend this completely and provide the acting chief of army staff all the assistance he needs to succeed. READ ALSO: VeryDarkMan Charged with Impersonation, Granted N2M Bail, We love having you back, Kindly Subscribe to our NewsLetter.

