Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have sustained intensified military operations across the country, recording significant successes against terrorists, kidnappers, criminal elements and oil thieves, while rescuing dozens of abducted victims and arresting several terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said.
Addressing journalists, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops across the various theatres of operation had maintained relentless pressure on criminal elements, leading to arrests, recoveries and the rescue of hostages.
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified counter-terrorism operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP remnants.
During the period, 10 family members of terrorists surrendered in Gwoza and Pulka, while troops arrested several suspected terrorist collaborators, logistics suppliers and a suspected foreign spy in Borno State.
Among those arrested was Ali Umar, who confessed to supplying terrorists with petroleum products.
The operation also foiled infiltration attempts in Muna Garage, Shuwari village and the Ajilari axis of Jere Local Government Area, resulting in the recovery of a terrorist’s corpse during follow-up operations.
Troops equally rescued several kidnap victims, including Usman Hassan, abducted in Bauchi State in April, alongside Aisha Mohammed and six other civilians rescued around Armuda Bridge in Gwoza.
In the North West, Operation Fansan Yamma sustained offensive operations against terrorists and their collaborators across Zamfara and Kebbi states. Troops arrested suspected collaborators, neutralised three terrorists in separate encounters, rescued 13 abducted civilians and recovered two vehicles following attacks on commuters.
General Onoja said Operation Savannah Shield in the North Central rescued four kidnap victims in Niger and Kwara states while neutralising a terrorist and recovering an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a Dane gun.
Similarly, troops of Operation Enduring Peace intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna, recovering three locally fabricated rifles and four sub-machine guns.
Troops, he said also arrested a wanted suspect linked to attacks in Plateau State and rescued four kidnap victims after responding to a highway blockade.
The Director added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke intercepted an ammunition courier transporting 60 rounds of ammunition and apprehended four suspected terrorist collaborators.
Troops also rescued a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Kogi State.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal refining sites in Rivers State containing stolen crude oil and dismantled equipment used for illegal refining.
Troops also neutralised two kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles and ammunition, and rescued three abductees.
Meanwhile, Operation Udo Ka in the South East arrested suspected kidnappers and members of a proscribed secessionist group, recovering an assault rifle, ammunition, a pump-action gun and cartridges. Troops also rescued two abducted victims after intercepting a truck hijacked by kidnappers along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway.
Commending the troops, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, praised their professionalism and dedication. He also lauded the intelligence-led collaboration that secured the unconditional rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.
“The CDS notes with satisfaction that the operation was achieved without any concession to the abductors,” Major General Onoja said, adding that the Defence Headquarters remained committed to sustaining operations across all theatres until “peace, security and stability are fully restored nationwide.”
Linus Aleke
