Nigerian Army troops have arrested a notorious cross-border terrorist leader, Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Habu Dogo, in Sokoto State.
The arrest was part of ongoing military efforts to weaken terrorist activities across Nigeria.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, announced on Saturday that Habu Dogo, who was wanted by both Nigerian and Nigerien security agencies, was captured in Rumji Village, Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto. Known for his cross-border crimes, he had been on the security watch list for a long time.
Additionally, troops in the Southeast captured seven members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network, including leaders Dr. Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha, also called Chapet. Other members were apprehended in various locations across Anambra, Abia, and Imo states.
During these operations, troops also arrested 39 individuals involved in oil theft and rescued 147 kidnapped people. In the South-South, they blocked a crude oil theft operation worth an estimated N1.2 billion.
The army’s recent actions led to the recovery of a large number of weapons, including 89 AK-47 rifles, 22 Dane guns, 27 locally made pistols, and several rounds of ammunition. In total, the operations yielded 205 different weapons and 5,241 rounds of assorted ammunition.
In the Niger Delta, troops found and destroyed 49 illegal oil refining ovens, 98 refining sites, and 21 drums used for illegal oil storage. They seized over 1 million litres of stolen crude oil and around 873,510 litres of illegally refined diesel.
Speaking on the achievements, Buba emphasized that these efforts are reducing terrorist and criminal activities across Nigeria, adding, “Through these operations, the army is working to protect communities and secure the country.”
