Nigerian Army: Kills Plateau Gang Leader After Soldier's Death Confession

• Nigerian Army troops conducted operations between September 30 and October 4, addressing terrorism and crude oil theft.
• A suspected terrorist gang leader, linked to a soldier's killing in Plateau State, was neutralized after confessing and leading troops to hideouts.
• In Rivers State, military forces uncovered several illegal refining sites and recovered approximately 5,090 liters of stolen crude oil.
• The operations involved various units, including Operation Enduring Peace and Operation Delta Safe, with recovered items handled according to extant regulations.
• A vigilante sustained gunshot wounds during the Plateau operation, requiring medical evacuation.

All recovered items from these extensive operations were handled strictly in accordance with existing regulations, underscoring the military's commitment to proper procedure in combating economic sabotage.

The Nigerian Army recently concluded a series of significant operations between September 30 and October 4, addressing both anti-terrorism efforts in Plateau State and the pervasive issue of crude oil theft in Rivers State. These coordinated actions led to the neutralization of a suspected terrorist gang leader implicated in the killing of a soldier, alongside the discovery and recovery of thousands of liters of stolen crude oil.

An operational report, subsequently made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, detailed the successes achieved by various military units. The report highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by security forces across Nigeria, from combating armed groups responsible for violence against personnel to disrupting illicit economic activities that undermine national resources.

The operations underscore the ongoing commitment of the Nigerian military to enhance security and enforce law and order across different regions. The dual focus on neutralizing high-value targets in anti-insurgency efforts and dismantling illegal oil bunkering networks demonstrates a comprehensive approach to national security.

In a critical development in Plateau State, Nigerian Army troops successfully eliminated a suspected terrorist gang leader. This individual was directly linked to the killing of a soldier on July 26, an incident that occurred at a military blocking position situated in Manja Village, within the Qua'an Pan Local Government Area. Following the soldier's death, the gang was also reported to have seized the soldier's weapon.

The breakthrough came when troops from Sector 9, operating under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), apprehended the suspect. During interrogation, the individual confessed to the crime and subsequently guided the troops to the gang's hideouts located in the Jibiyal Forest on October 3. An engagement ensued as troops and local vigilantes approached the area, prompting other gang members to flee the scene.

During this confrontation, the captured leader was neutralized. Tragically, a vigilante member sustained gunshot wounds during the operation and was promptly evacuated for medical treatment. This successful operation represents a significant blow to the terrorist network operating in the region, addressing a direct threat to military personnel and local communities.

Concurrently, in Rivers State, military operations targeted the widespread problem of crude oil theft and illegal refining. Troops from the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), uncovered several illegal refining sites, leading to the recovery of approximately 5,090 liters of stolen crude oil.

Specific discoveries included two sites found by troops of 16 Brigade and 5 Battalion in the Ogblogolo and Ozhochi forests, located in the Ahoada West Local Government Area. These sites contained 40 sacks holding an estimated 2,000 liters of crude oil. Separately, Sector 3 of OPDS, collaborating with the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, located two additional sites in Okarki Forest. These contained 26 sacks with about 1,090 liters of crude oil, along with a small oven and approximately 180 meters of metal pipes, indicating active illegal refining operations.

Further efforts by troops from 5 Battalion and 16 Brigade in the Orashi Forest, also in Ahoada West, led to the discovery of two more sites containing an additional 2,000 liters of crude oil and associated equipment. All recovered items from these extensive operations were handled strictly in accordance with existing regulations, underscoring the military's commitment to proper procedure in combating economic sabotage.

Source: Original reporting via News Agency of Nigeria