Kill Bandits’ Kingpin, Kachallah Buzu, ISWAP Lord, Ibn Kasir, Others
The Nigerian Armed Forces have thwarted a significant oil theft operation in the South-South region, preventing the illegal diversion of crude oil valued at over N1.3 billion.
Similarly, the operatives of the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) have denied oil thieves of a whopping 400,000 litres of illegally refined products.
This came as Nigerian troops from the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) successfully eliminated a notorious bandit commander, ‘Kachallah Buzu’, and several of his fighters in Zamfara State.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, in a statement on Friday, revealed that during ongoing military operations aimed at curbing insecurity and criminal activities across the country, troops recovered large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products worth more than N1.3 billion.
He said the Armed Forces also neutralised 165 terrorists, arrested 185 insurgents and rescued 106 hostages during operations conducted last week.
“During the week under review, our troops made significant progress, neutralising 165 terrorists and rescuing over 100 hostages from insurgent-controlled areas.
“This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country.
“Troops denied oil thieves the opportunity to siphon crude oil and other resources. We will continue to clamp down on illegal activities that undermine Nigeria’s economy,” Buba said.
He further disclosed that troops recovered a significant haul of weapons and ammunition, including 69 AK-47 rifles, 31 locally fabricated guns, 38 dane guns and over 8,900 rounds of ammunition.
The military also seized over 1.2 million litres of stolen crude oil, alongside large quantities of illegally refined diesel (AGO) and kerosene (DPK).
He said that in the North-East, under Operation Hadin Kai, the military worked to aid flood victims in Maiduguri, Borno State.
“Our troops have been at the forefront of rescue operations, evacuating inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri and assisting residents affected by the floods. Over 23 boats were deployed to help relocate affected residents to safer areas,” Buba said.
He assured the public that the military remains in a strong position to carry out robust operations against terrorists and violent extremists across Nigeria.
“We will not rest until the entire country is secure, and citizens can live without fear. Our troops will continue to operate with tremendous force to ensure this,” he affirmed.
The police high command stated that the operation, which denied oil thieves of 400,000 litres of illegally refined products, was carried out in collaboration with the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command, on September 12, 2024, and led to the discovery of a storage facility in Trans Amadi, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, used in dealing and processing illegally acquired crude oil.
According to police spokesman, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the operation led to the arrest of four suspects namely; Emmanuel Nwachi, 58; Adamu Bala, 35; Nura Musa, 22; Bashir Abubakar, 28 and the recovery of 400,000 litres of petroleum products, stored in 67 white storage tanks.
“The team however destroyed the site and recovered the equipment and machines used in committing these crimes.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has re-emphasised the commitment of the Force to tackling every form of crime, criminality and corruption, extending to those involved in this economic sabotage. The Force remains unyielding and will continue to bring these perpetrators to book,” he said.
According to an intelligence source, Zagazola Makama, the operation by the OPHD, which took place on the night of September 12, in Mayanchi village, was the result of an ambush laid by the military following intelligence reports on the terrorists’ movements.
The competent security information source disclosed that the ambush led to the neutralisation of numerous bandits, including their leader, Buzu.
The Guardian learnt that in addition to the significant loss of lives among the insurgents, the troops seized 30 motorcycles and a large cache of weapons, further crippling the group’s operational capabilities.
“The success of this operation was a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to combat banditry in the Northwest region,” the source said.
Relatedly, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutrialised a top ISWAP Commander, Ibn Kaseer and three other fighters during a raid at Sambisa Forest in the early hours of Thursday.
Intelligence sources told Makama that acting on credible intelligence, soldiers from the 21 Brigade, in conjunction with Hybrid forces, launched the swift and successful operation in Kashomeri village.
“Ibn Kasir, notorious for terrorising the Geizuwa and Yale axis, had attempted to seek refuge with his family in Kashomeri.
“However, his hideout was identified, and he was neutralised alongside two of his lieutenants with one identified as Bulamadu. The operation occurred while his men were away on an assignment in Jalumeri.
“The neutralisation of Ibn Kasir is a significant blow to the Boko Haram terrorist group,” the source added.
Four women and children were rescued while some families of the terrorists came out to surrender at Konduga.
