Troops Arrest Wanted Cross-Border Terrorist, Foil N1.2bn Crude Oil Theft

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.

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.