A female IPOB/ESN logistics supplier has been arrested by the military in Abia State as troops recorded successes against terrorists and criminal elements across theatres of operation nationwide in the past week.
Three children, which investigations revealed were the biological children of a wanted IPOB/ESN leader identified as Maduabuchi Nwankwo, otherwise known as “Emergency,” were found in her custody. It was further revealed that the terrorist leader is also her relation.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, disclosed this at the weekly media briefing on Thursday in Abuja.
Kangye said that during the period under review, troops arrested 77 terrorists, rescued over 30 kidnap victims across the country, and recovered more than N5 million ransom money from kidnappers.
He said in the South-South, the military foiled oil theft worth over N98 million.
“The breakdown indicates: 92,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,575 litres of AGO, 660 litres of DPK, and 5,000 litres of PMS.
Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 11 crude oil cooking ovens, 7 dugout pits, 9 boats, 14 storage tanks, and 7 illegal refining sites,” he said. “Overall, troops recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive device-making materials. Also, some caches of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were discovered.”
He said ground forces, in conjunction with the Air Component, Hybrid forces, and local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the North East, eliminating several terrorists and arresting their informants and logistics suppliers.
The DMO said terrorist networks were dismantled during the operations, paving the way for the safe resettlement of displaced persons and unimpeded farming activities.
He added that aggressive operations in the North West and North Central led to the recovery of weapons, vehicles, livestock, and other household items.
Kangye commended the officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering dedication and courage in the face of evolving security challenges, saying that the recent operational successes—whether in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, maritime security, or joint internal operations—were not just victories on the battlefield, but clear demonstrations of the resolve to secure every inch of the nation.
He added, “These achievements are the result of coordinated efforts, intelligence-driven strategies, and the continued support of patriotic Nigerians. We also acknowledge the sacrifices made by our personnel, particularly those who have paid the ultimate price and those who continue to serve with honour and distinction.
“Their bravery inspires us to press forward until peace and stability are fully restored across all regions. Let me assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain committed, resilient, and ever-ready to uphold our constitutional mandate. Together, with the cooperation of all stakeholders and the support of the public, we will continue to advance towards a safer and more secure Nigeria.”
