Troops neutralise 35 criminals, arrest 98 suspects, recover 5 AK 47 rifles – DHQ
Defence Headquarters said on Thursday that troops have neutralised 35 criminals and arrested 98 suspected members of bandits since October 10, when it launched Operations 777.
Operations 777 is designed to consolidate on the achievements of eight other existing Operations and specifically meant to enhance conducive and stable environment for socio- economic to thrive in trouble spots.
Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General John Agim disclosed this on Thursday while briefing the media on efforts at rejigging military operations across the country in view of rising security concerns.
Fielding question on threat by self exiled IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who said “he is coming back to the country with hell,” General Agim said “good enough Operation 777 will curtail who ever come to the country with hell”. He urged Nigerians not to lose sleep about vain threats.
He maintained that the operations are to raise the confidence of the public in the affected states as it is focusing on identifying and destroying armed bandits and other persons bearing arms against the Nigerian State.
It is also to eliminate armed gangs and adversaries as well as conducting cordon and search operations to retrieve illegal arms and ammunitions, he stated.
The DDI said that the operation has led to the camp of one notorious criminal and cult leader- Gana, where the troops “neutralised more than 15 of his gang members including his wife. Gana, managed to escape, but our troops are on his trial.”
The efforts has also led to the return of 27,000 out of 34,000 internal displaced persons at Anyiin IDP camp to their homes and the recovery of five AK 47 rifles, 20 bow and arrows ,113 quantity of 7.62mm live ammunition, 20 cartridges and four rifle magazines .
The operations also resulted in the recovery of 419 rustled cattle, 405 sheep and 101 goats. The animals were handed over to their right owners through the various state committees.
Around the maritime areas, the troops also recovered and destroyed a total of 398 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil was recovered,67,000 litres of illegal refined AGO ,126 reservoirs, 34 illegal refineries ,27 wooden boats 101 quantity of 100 litres drums of premium motor spirit (pm) .
However, and regrettably, the military suffered some casualties during the operations including the dead of two soldiers who died in action while two others were wounded. Two other soldiers and one AK 47 rifle were reportedly missing in action.
Brigadier General Agim also explained the unfortunate altercation between some military personnel and the bank private guards, which resulted to the death of one bank security guard, Mr Linus Edogan , He added that the soldiers allegedly involved are being held in custody.
The DHQ , according to him, has directed a full investigation of the incident. He assured that anyone found guilty would be punished according to military extant law.
The Defence Headquarters also yesterday urged the public to cooperate with military in its operations to keep the country at peace.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the issue of insecurity is a state matter which the public cannot stay aloof of, public must therefore cooperate with the security agencies to find solution.
