Troops Eliminate Terrorist Commander Munzur Ya Audu, Neutralize 114 Others, Arrest 238

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported significant successes in its ongoing military operations across the country. Over the past week, troops killed 115 terrorists, including notorious commander Munzur Ya Audu, and arrested 238 others. Additionally, 138 hostages were rescued, highlighting the military’s intensified efforts to combat terrorism and insecurity.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, shared these updates during a briefing on Thursday. He acknowledged the sacrifices of troops, with eight soldiers lost during the operations—five in the North-East and three in the South-East.

In the fight against oil theft, troops arrested 51 suspected oil thieves and recovered stolen crude oil valued at ₦921,847,146.00. General Buba emphasized the military’s commitment to disrupting terrorist networks, dismantling their logistics, and striking confirmed hideouts with precision.

Troops also seized a large cache of weapons and ammunition, including 145 assorted firearms and 3,825 rounds of ammunition. These included one general-purpose machine gun, two PKT guns, 68 AK-47 rifles, 24 fabricated rifles, 28 dane guns, six locally made pistols, eight pump-action guns, one hand grenade, and several other explosive devices.

Additional recoveries during the operations included 2,093 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 246 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 317 rounds of 7.62mm GPMG/PKM ammunition, 54 magazines, and three baofeng radios. Troops also confiscated 12 vehicles, 24 motorcycles, 51 mobile phones, and cash amounting to ₦7,245,500.00.

In the Niger Delta, efforts to curb oil theft led to the discovery and destruction of 56 illegal refining sites, 78 crude oil cooking ovens, 21 dugout pits, 56 boats, and other equipment. Recovered items included 872,070 liters of stolen crude oil, 67,985 liters of illegally refined diesel, and two speedboats.

General Buba reiterated the Armed Forces’ determination to degrade terrorist capabilities and deny them safe havens. “We are at war against a cruel and vicious enemy,” he said, stressing the importance of sustaining military pressure to dismantle terror networks and restore security nationwide.