Nigerian Military Ramps Up Operations, Strikes Major Blows Against Terror and Oil Theft Networks

Maryam Aminu

In a decisive escalation of nationwide security efforts, Nigerian Armed Forces have intensified military operations targeting insurgent enclaves and criminal activities, achieving remarkable gains over the past week.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed that synchronized air and ground offensives have inflicted heavy losses on terrorist groups while disrupting illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta.

Major General Buba disclosed that precision Airstrikes in Borno State Decimate Insurgents
On November 6, 2024, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI executed precision airstrikes on strongholds of ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) at Kwallaram and Arainna Ciki islands in Borno State.

These high-impact strikes neutralized over 70 insurgents at Kwallaram and inflicted further casualties at Arainna Ciki, showcasing the Nigerian military’s commitment to weakening terrorist influence in the Northeast.

Armed forces intensified operations, successfully neutralizing 169 militants, rescuing 181 hostages from kidnappers, and arresting 641 individuals linked to terrorism.

The Director of Defence Media Operations expressed that anti-banditry efforts were equally productive, with troops intercepting 40 suspected oil thieves involved in extensive illegal operations.

He revealed that security forces recovered an impressive haul of arms and ammunition, including 106 AK-47 rifles, locally fabricated firearms, and nearly 3,000 rounds of various ammunition types. Seized assets also include motorcycles, vehicles, communication devices, and N729,000 in cash, underlining the scale of operations.

In a significant push to curb economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, military personnel dismantled 83 illegal refining sites and 20 crude oil distillation ovens, seizing over 1.45 million liters of stolen and refined petroleum products, including crude oil and AGO (Automotive Gas Oil).

He added that Troops uncovered a variety of equipment including boats, motorcycles, outboard engines, and storage tanks used in these operations, marking a substantial blow to the illegal oil economy that fuels criminal networks.

Facing mounting pressure from military operations, terrorist factions such as ISWAP have reportedly turned to social media in an urgent attempt to recruit new fighters. However, the Armed Forces remain resolute, with General Buba emphasizing a sustained offensive aimed at eradicating insurgent networks and safeguarding national security.

The Nigerian Armed Forces’ intensified operations underscore a robust strategy to reclaim territories, restore peace, and dismantle organized criminal structures.

Major General Buba reiterated that these efforts would continue unabated until all threats to Nigeria’s stability are neutralized, signaling a proactive stance against insurgency and economic sabotage across the country.