Nigerian troops have recorded fresh successes in the country’s ongoing security operations, rescuing 22 people from suspected kidnappers, arresting individuals linked to criminal activities and uncovering illegal petroleum refining facilities containing thousands of litres of stolen crude oil and petroleum products.
The operations, conducted between November 10 and 12, covered several states and involved military personnel working alongside intelligence operatives, local vigilantes and community-based security groups.
Apart from the rescue of kidnapped victims, the exercises resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen cattle, motorcycles, mobile phones and equipment allegedly used for illegal oil processing.
The developments were contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), detailing activities recorded across different military operational theatres.
One of the significant breakthroughs occurred in Rivers State, where troops operating under the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, uncovered several illegal refining locations and recovered approximately 9,794 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally processed petroleum products.
At Ogbogolo and Okarki forests in Ahoada West Local Government Area, military personnel discovered six illegal refining sites containing about 2,350 litres of stolen crude oil stored in 47 sacks. Equipment allegedly used for the illegal refining activities was also recovered.
A separate operation in Okarki Forest led to the discovery of four additional illegal refining locations. The sites reportedly contained another 2,444 litres of stolen crude oil, also stored in 47 sacks, alongside other refining materials.
Security personnel extended the operation to a building close to Opobo Jetty in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, where they discovered approximately 5,000 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil, commonly referred to as diesel.
The petroleum products were stored in drums and kegs before they were discovered by the troops.
The military said the recovered products and equipment were handled in line with existing regulations.
22 people rescued in Zamfara, Plateau
In the North-West, troops operating under Operation Fansan Yamma rescued three kidnapped individuals following a security intervention along the Kombo-Guruzu road in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to the report, soldiers attached to the 1 Brigade moved into action after receiving information about suspected terrorist activities in the area.
Their response reportedly disrupted the activities of the armed men, who fled upon encountering the advancing troops.
The three victims were subsequently freed and handed over to a community leader in Guruzu for further assistance.
Plateau State accounted for another major rescue operation, with 19 passengers recovered after suspected kidnappers reportedly blocked a highway within a forested area of Riyom Local Government Area.
The incident occurred when the armed suspects intercepted travellers along the route, creating a dangerous situation for those using the road.
Troops deployed under Operation Enduring Peace responded and succeeded in rescuing 19 of the passengers.
However, the operation did not result in the recovery of everyone affected, as three other passengers were reportedly taken away by the fleeing kidnappers.
The military said efforts were ongoing to locate the remaining victims and secure their release.
In a related development in Plateau, soldiers working with other security agencies recovered cattle allegedly stolen by criminal elements in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area.
The livestock were returned to their owner, while security personnel continued efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the theft.
Suspected criminals arrested In Nasarawa, Borno
Security operations also produced arrests in Nasarawa State, where troops attached to Operation Whirl Stroke apprehended two individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping.
The suspects were arrested at Wayo in Wamba Local Government Area during an operation targeting criminal activities in the area.
In Borno State, troops of the 18 Battalion, supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), arrested a suspected terrorist informant at Molai community in Konduga Local Government Area.
The individual reportedly attracted the attention of security personnel after being observed moving around a military security position under suspicious circumstances.
Following his arrest, he was transferred to the 7 Division Garrison for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops and local vigilantes also carried out an ambush operation along the Hawan Burum-Kobwa corridor in Damboa Local Government Area.
The suspected terrorists reportedly escaped when they encountered the security team, abandoning three bicycles and three mobile phones.
The items were recovered by the troops and taken for further examination.
Meanwhile, soldiers of the 114 Battalion prevented a possible security threat along the Bitta-Gwoza road after discovering an improvised explosive device (IED) during a patrol.
The explosive was safely detonated by the troops, eliminating the immediate danger it posed to motorists, residents and security personnel travelling through the area.
Weapons recovered In Kogi, Kwara
In Kogi State, Nigerian Army personnel collaborated with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to search suspected kidnappers’ hideouts inside Egabada Forest Reserve in Igala-Mela/Odolu Local Government Area.
Although the operation did not result in an encounter with the suspected criminals, the security team recovered a number of items believed to be connected to criminal activities.
The recovered materials included a pump-action gun, 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a motorcycle, among other items.
A similar operation was conducted in Kwara State under Operation Savannah Shield, where troops and local vigilantes raided the residences of two suspected terrorist collaborators in Oke-Ode community, Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The search reportedly led to the recovery of five locally manufactured firearms and nine cartridges.
However, the two individuals being sought were not arrested during the exercise. Security operatives were said to be continuing efforts to locate them.
Military sustains nationwide security operations
The latest developments reflect the military’s continued efforts to confront insecurity through coordinated operations across different parts of the country.
The activities covered several security concerns, including kidnapping, terrorism, cattle rustling, illegal possession of firearms, improvised explosive devices and crude oil theft.
The involvement of local vigilantes, intelligence agencies and other security organisations also featured prominently in the operations, highlighting the importance of cooperation among different security stakeholders.
While the rescue of 22 people represents a significant outcome, the reported abduction of three passengers in Plateau State shows that challenges remain, particularly in areas where criminal groups exploit forest routes and isolated highways.
Similarly, the discovery of multiple illegal refining facilities in Rivers State underscores the continuing challenge of crude oil theft and unauthorised petroleum processing in the Niger Delta.
The military said the recovered petroleum products and equipment had been dealt with in accordance with existing regulations.
Security operations are expected to remain focused on disrupting criminal networks, recovering abducted persons, protecting communities and preventing activities capable of threatening public safety and the country’s economic interests.
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