Nigerian military troops rescued at least 59 kidnapped victims and neutralised 11 terrorists during operations across the country between August 14 and 20.
The figures were disclosed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, in a statement on Saturday detailing the military’s activities during the week. According to Onoja, troops operating under various military formations also arrested suspected criminals, recovered weapons and disrupted terrorist and criminal networks in several parts of the country.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued eight kidnapped victims during the period under review. Onoja said three additional victims were rescued from Gwamnare Forest in Bauchi State, while a 63-year-old Cameroonian national abducted along the Gwoza-Cameroon axis was also rescued.
The troops reportedly neutralised three terrorists and recovered weapons and other military equipment. The operation also resulted in the surrender of 47 family members of terrorists and six fighters to troops in Borno State.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 28 abducted persons across Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states between August 17 and 19. The troops also neutralised four terrorists and arrested an explosives courier alongside other suspected terrorist collaborators.
Weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and cash were recovered during the operations. Onoja said six suspected informants were also arrested over alleged links to the abduction of an immigration officer’s family as well as staff and students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda.
In the North-Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE compelled kidnappers to release 13 victims in Kogi State. The victims comprised two men, five women and six children. The troops also neutralised two suspected criminals and arrested an arms courier during separate operations in Taraba and Benue states.
An AK-47 rifle, ammunition and other weapons were recovered. Meanwhile, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recovered firearms, fabricated rifles, Dane guns and ammunition during a raid on suspected criminals in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In Kwara State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD neutralised one terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle. Seven kidnap victims were also rescued during a night patrol in Patigi Local Government Area. The operation formed part of continued efforts to disrupt criminal activities and prevent kidnappers from operating along vulnerable routes.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested suspected kidnappers and an arms trafficker. Seven locally made pistols, ammunition and a camouflage vest were recovered during the operations. The troops also disrupted three illegal refining sites in Rivers State. About 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil were recovered from the sites.
Onoja said troops of Operation UDO KA dismantled suspected secessionist camps and recovered weapons during operations across Imo, Anambra and Abia states. The troops also safely cleared multiple improvised explosive devices in the affected areas. In Abia, soldiers dismantled an illegal bunkering site and arrested suspects.
They also recovered suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil, motorcycles and a vehicle. On August 20, troops conducting clearance operations towards Mother Valley in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State cleared 11 IEDs.
Beyond combat operations, the Armed Forces also continued with civil-military cooperation initiatives. Onoja disclosed that the Nigerian Navy commissioned a solar-powered water project for residents of Ward F2 in Surulere, Lagos. The project was described as part of efforts to strengthen relations between the military and host communities.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their continued successes in rescuing abducted Nigerians, neutralising terrorists and disrupting criminal networks.
He also praised the cooperation between the military, other security agencies and local security groups. Oluyede urged Nigerians and community leaders to continue providing security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
The Defence Media Operations director also commended the media for what he described as professional and balanced reporting of military activities. According to him, the Chief of Defence Staff assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain the tempo of operations until peace and security are restored across the country.
