Military intensifies efforts to disrupt Terrorists recruitment drive on Social Media – Crime Channels
Military intensifies efforts to disrupt Terrorists recruitment drive on Social Media
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that ongoing military offensives against terrorists in the North-East have significantly weakened the ranks of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), forcing the group into a frantic recruitment campaign.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, confirmed that terrorists in the North-West are similarly using social media platforms to recruit new fighters.
He assured that security forces are fully aware of these activities and are collaborating with other agencies and local governments to disrupt their plans.
During the past week, military operations have led to the elimination of 88 terrorists, the arrest of 228 individuals, and the rescue of 181 hostages. Additionally, 40 suspected oil thieves were apprehended, with stolen products worth over N1 billion recovered.
Major General Buba also outlined the significant recovery of weapons and ammunition by the troops. In total, 84 assorted weapons were seized, including 34 AK-47 rifles, 15 fabricated rifles, 11 dane guns, 5 revolver pistols, 8 locally-made pistols, and three pump-action shotguns.
The operation also netted 2,393 rounds of ammunition, 25 magazines, 16 vehicles, 35 motorcycles, and 27 mobile phones, as well as a cash sum of N1,851,000.
In the Niger Delta region, troops uncovered and destroyed 59 illegal oil refining sites, 13 crude oil cooking ovens, and 20 dugout pits used for illicit refining activities. In total, they recovered three barges, seven speedboats, and numerous other equipment, including 73 drums, five pumping machines, and nine vehicles.
Furthermore, troops seized a total of 942,420 liters of stolen crude oil, 175,075 liters of illegal refined AGO (Automotive Gas Oil), and 4,980 liters of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit or petrol).
These successes reflect the ongoing commitment of the Nigerian military to combat terrorism, criminality, and illegal oil theft, ensuring both national security and economic stability.
