The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has explained that some weapons used by terrorists in Nigeria originate from attacks on military formations, leading to the seizure of government arms, News About Nigeria reports.
This clarification comes in response to recent comments from National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who noted that many illicit arms in the hands of non-state actors were originally government-owned, often due to corruption within security agencies.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, echoed Ribadu’s statement during a briefing, saying, “When we discuss arms proliferation, we must consider factors like the crisis in Libya and the Sahel region, which have allowed weapons to flow into the wrong hands and worsen insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria.”
He added, “Several troops have been ambushed, leading to the loss of arms. However, we have consistently retaliated, ensuring terrorists pay a heavier price.”
During the ongoing operations across the country, Buba reported, 135 terrorists have been arrested, including two leaders from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Security forces have killed 140 terrorists and rescued 76 kidnap victims.
Among those apprehended were IPOB leader Pius Iguh, captured at a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Imo State, and Emmanuel Onwugu, arrested in Abia State.
Additional arrests included Ifeanyi Rock, a “notorious cult leader” detained with 10 of his combatants in Abia State’s Arochukwu area.
Security forces also seized a range of weapons and equipment, totaling 241 firearms, 3,254 rounds of ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, and cash amounting to over N79 million.
In the Niger Delta region, DHQ reported that troops dismantled 47 illegal refining sites, apprehended 18 suspected oil thieves, and recovered stolen products worth approximately N1.75 billion.
They destroyed 33 crude oil ovens, 41 boats, and over a million litres of illegally refined oil and diesel.
