Mr Nwahukwu said the project scope included clearing of right of way, tower alignment cum excavation and blinding/stub setting.
The Army spokesperson said a notorious bandit Kingpin, Boderi, was killed alongside another kingpin, Bodejo, in the ambush.
The army said two suspects were arrested.
![Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja [Photo Shettima]](https://gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Chief-of-Army-Staff-COAS-Lt-General-Taoreed-Lagbaja-Photo-Shettima.png)
He said the directive also mandated all personnel to wear a black hand band in remembrance of the late former COAS.
“The suspects are currently under custody undergoing further interrogation,” he said.
He said that the services of troops were critical to securing the country’s oil industry.
According to him, all the rescued victims are presently in troops’ custody undergoing profiling.
Mr Nwachukwu added that the oil thieves fled upon sighting the advancement of troops.
Mr Nwachukwu said the operation was part of the sustained effort to rid Nigeria of criminality.
“For those who decide to do it illegally, the JTF SS OPDS will stop at nothing to see to their total destruction,” Mr Kabara said.
