A notorious gunrunner was arrested, and a wanted IPOB leader was killed during a military crackdown.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported significant progress in ongoing efforts to combat crime and insurgency throughout Nigeria. During a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, detailed successful operations conducted throughout April.

A key achievement was the arrest of Buhari Umar, a notorious gunrunner and kidnap kingpin operating across Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, and Kaduna States. This arrest represents a considerable blow to armed criminal networks in the region.

In related operations, troops apprehended a five-member kidnapping syndicate in Nasarawa State. Furthermore, military forces neutralized Nkwachi Eze, a high-profile commander of the proscribed IPOB, known for orchestrating attacks and kidnappings in the South-East.

Beyond counter-insurgency, operations resulted in the rescue of 173 kidnapped victims and the surrender of 204 terrorists and family members.

Operation Delta Safe significantly disrupted illegal oil refining activities, thwarting thefts valued at over ₦1.93 billion in a single week. Numerous illegal refining sites were dismantled, and substantial quantities of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products were recovered.

The DHQ reiterated its unwavering commitment to eliminating threats to national security and restoring stability across the nation.