Military eliminates notorious terrorist kingpin Mai Hijabi in Jigawa

In a significant blow to terrorist groups operating in Northern Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters has announced the killing of notorious kingpin Mai Hijabi in Jigawa State.

This achievement is part of the military’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the fighting capacities of terror groups in the region.

According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, during a press briefing on Thursday, Mai Hijabi’s elimination is a testament to the military’s increasing success across all theatres of operations.

“Our operations have destroyed a substantial part of the combat capacity of these terror groups and their leadership,” Buba stated.

Buba added that troops also arrested 35 suspected oil thieves in the SS, and denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N688,125,150.00.

“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 2 dugout pits, 58 boats and 39 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 13 cooking ovens, 35 drums, one motorcycle, one tricycle, 4-speed boats, 13 vehicles, and 65 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 789,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 64,950 litres of illegally refined AGO,“ he added.

Read Also: Matawalle warns bandits’ informants to repent or face consequences

Buba noted that troops recovered 153 assorted weapons and 2,182 assorted ammunition.

The breakdown, according to him, is 81 AK47 rifles, 23 fabricated rifles, 27 Dane guns, 13 pump action guns, five locally made pistols, three revolver pistols, 30 AK47 magazines, and one bayonet.

Others he said are, “1,561 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 278 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 70 rounds of 50mm ammo, 72 rounds of 9mm ammo, 87 live cartridges, one baofeng radio, 19 vehicles, 21 motorcycles, 45 mobile phones and the sum of N64,100.00 only amongst other items.”

Key Achievements

– 165 terrorists neutralized
– 238 suspects arrested
– 188 kidnapped victims rescued
– 35 suspected oil thieves arrested
– N688,125,150 worth of oil theft denied

Earlier, Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has warned bandits’ informants to repent or be sent back to their creator.

He gave the warning during an assessment visit to Gundumi village, Isa and Sabon Birni local government areas of Sokoto state, on Thursday.

The Minister, who was saddened by the few presence of people at the village, said, “This place used to be lively with a lot of business activities. I assure you it will bounce back. We are going to cite a military base here.

“But you must fear God. Those who have been calling and informing bandits about the movement of security operatives and also about their brothers should desist henceforth. You better repent or we send you back to your creator,” he warned.

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