• HURIWA urges military to celebrate anti-corruption heroes
• Military intensifies crackdown on oil theft, recovers N291m stolen crude
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims of the emergence of a new terror group known as Fethulla Terrorist Organisation (FETO) in Nigeria.
The Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, who dismissed the claims, noted that “Nigeria remains an independent nation” capable of making its own decisions, particularly on security and counter-terrorism matters.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their recent gallant performance in internal security operations, especially the outstanding acts of integrity by operatives who rejected bribes and arrested terrorists in various parts of the country.
Also, Kangye said the Armed Forces recovered stolen petroleum products worth over N291 million in a major operation against oil theft in the Niger Delta, in one week.
The Turkish government recently alleged that members of FETO were operating in Nigeria under the guise of educational and healthcare institutions. Speaking at a dinner in Abuja on Tuesday, to mark Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day, the Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, claimed that FETO still had an active presence in the country.
However, while briefing journalists on the military operations in Abuja yesterday, Kangye said the DHQ did not recognise the claims as official or verified.
“Information from the person you are talking about, as far as DHQ is concerned, is an unofficial announcement. Everybody is free to say whatever they want. There is freedom of information, “he said. He noted that Nigeria could not be swayed by external commentary or claims that do not align with its own intelligence and national interest.
“Nigeria is an independent sovereign nation that can think and act for itself,” Kangye said. While acknowledging Nigeria’s diplomatic and military relationships with many countries, Kangye cautioned against accepting unverified foreign narratives, especially those that may undermine national integrity or incite suspicion.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA applauded the troops for their courage and professionalism, describing their actions as a testament to the high moral standards within the Nigerian military.
The prominent civil rights advocacy group particularly praised troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) who, according to DHQ, rejected a N13.7 million bribe offered by terrorists during a military operation in Plateau State. The troops had responded to a distress call regarding terrorist activity along the Jos-Sanga Road and intercepted a bullet-riddled vehicle. Two suspects in the vehicle reportedly attempted to bribe the soldiers in exchange for their release, but failed.
Kangye revealed this during a press briefing in Abuja on recent military operations across the country. He said the suspects were arrested, and weapons, ammunition, and cash were recovered.
Relatedly, HURIWA welcomed the military’s arrest of two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Borno State for allegedly transporting arms and military uniforms intended for terrorists. The arrests followed intelligence-led operations in Liya, Biu Local Council.
In a briefing yesterday in Abuja, Kangye disclosed that between July 10 and 17, troops under Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) intensified the fight against economic sabotage, particularly illegal oil bunkering and refining.
According to him, troops recovered 201,345 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,730 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 1,759 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
He said: “The military also discovered and destroyed 18 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 16 boats, 21 storage tanks, 17 drums, and 19 illegal refining sites. Additionally, a cache of equipment believed to be used in crude oil theft, including pumping machines, drilling tools, tricycles, motorcycles, and 13 vehicles, was recovered.
“A total of 42 suspected oil thieves and other criminal elements were arrested. Assorted arms, ammunition, and explosives were also seized.”
