Security forces dismantle 11 explosives, restore access to Imo Road after three-year closure

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have achieved significant operational successes in various theatres of operation, including the demobilisation of improvised explosive devices, the reopening of a long-abandoned road in Imo State, and the dismantling of illegal refineries in the Niger Delta.

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Major General Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this information on Friday in an operational update on ongoing military operations across the country, highlighting the successes of troops in different regions.

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Troops of Operation Udoka in the South-East conducted a successful route clearance operation along the Eketutu–Uda axis in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, reopening a road that had been abandoned for three years due to the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.

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During the operation on March 7, troops discovered and safely demobilised eight improvised explosive devices planted along the route by criminal elements, which were then disconnected and destroyed by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to prevent harm to civilians and security personnel.

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On March 8, troops returned to the area to continue the clearance operation, during which three additional IEDs were detonated along the Eketutu Market axis, significantly improving access and safety along the road corridor that had been deserted for years.

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The operation also resulted in the recovery of magazines loaded with ammunition, further enhancing the security of the area and disrupting the activities of criminal elements.

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In a related operation on March 11, troops operating in Egbema West Local Government Area of Imo State discovered and dismantled three illegal oil refining sites, dealing a significant blow to illegal refining networks that undermine the nation’s economic resources and environmental safety.

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The operation led to the destruction and recovery of 32 cooking drums and a 5,000-litre metal storage tank used in the illicit refining activities, demonstrating the commitment of the military to protecting the nation’s resources and environment.

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Meanwhile, in the Niger Delta region, troops of Operation Delta Safe carried out a clearance operation in collaboration with local hunters in the Egoro Forest in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State on March 10, resulting in the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers.

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Items recovered from the suspects included AK-47 rifle magazines, mobile phones, and cutlasses believed to have been used for kidnapping and other violent crimes, providing valuable intelligence for further operations.

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On March 7, troops raided a suspected criminal hideout in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, arresting two suspects and recovering arms and ammunition, with the suspects currently undergoing preliminary investigation to determine their involvement in other criminal activities.

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Providing updates from the North-East theatre of operations, Major General Onoja said 14 additional terrorists surrendered to troops, bringing the cumulative number of insurgents who have surrendered under Operation Hadin Kai to 122,843 since the establishment of Operation Safe Corridor in 2015.

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Troops also repelled several terrorist attacks and disrupted logistics networks supporting insurgent groups, arresting suspected logistics suppliers and a terrorist tax collector in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.

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Arms caches were recovered after repelling attacks in Mafa and Jere Local Government Areas of Borno State, while troops, supported by close air support, successfully repelled a coordinated night attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province in Goniri, Yobe State.

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The military neutralised more than 20 terrorists, including a high-value target identified as Abu Yusu, in the operation, demonstrating the effectiveness of the military’s counter-terrorism efforts.

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In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma intercepted arms concealed in commercial vehicles, repelled terrorist attacks, and arrested suspected logistics suppliers across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states.

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Troops rescued abducted victims from kidnappers operating in the Mpape-Kuyeri Forest along the border between the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State, and destroyed a terrorist enclave belonging to the Lakurawa group in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

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Suspects linked to cattle rustling were also arrested in Kano State, as part of the military’s efforts to address security challenges in the region.

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In the North-Central region, troops intensified anti-kidnapping and counter-terrorism operations across Kwara and Niger states under Operation Savannah Shield, rescuing several kidnapped victims and neutralising criminals.

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In one incident in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, troops rescued a kidnap victim after engaging the abductors, while in another operation, four terrorists were neutralised and four kidnapped victims rescued.

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Troops of Operation Enduring Peace conducted operations across Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna states, rescuing kidnapped victims and arresting criminal suspects, including the interception of a commercial trailer carrying 802 bags of granular ammonium sulphate in Bauchi State.

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Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the shipment, which is believed to be related to the production of explosives.

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Major General Onoja said the series of successes across various theatres demonstrated the professionalism, courage, and resilience of the Armed Forces, and assured Nigerians that military operations would be intensified to dismantle the remaining criminal and terrorist networks threatening peace and national development.

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The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their dedication and thanked the public for providing timely intelligence that has supported ongoing operations across the country, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the military and the public in achieving security objectives.