The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, working alongside other security agencies, rescued 42 kidnapped victims, neutralised eight terrorists and arrested 28 suspected terrorists and collaborators during coordinated military operations conducted across various theatres of operation within the past week.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the development while briefing journalists on the outcome of recent military offensives across the country.
According to him, troops also dismantled two illegal crude oil refining sites in the Niger Delta as part of ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded several successes, including the surrender of family members of terrorists in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Security operatives also arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators in Jere, Monguno, Biu, Damboa and Gubio LGAs, while a suspected foreign spy claiming to be a citizen of the Niger Republic was apprehended in Abadam LGA.
Military operations in the region also led to the rescue of several kidnapped civilians, including victims abducted from Bauchi State and others rescued around Gwoza and Kukawa. Women and children recovered during separate operations received medical attention before being reunited with community leaders.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested suspected terrorist collaborators in Zamfara State and repelled attacks in Kebbi and Zamfara States, eliminating three terrorists. Security forces also rescued multiple kidnapped victims, including commuters attacked along major highways and residents abducted from terrorist camps in Zamfara.
Operations in the North-Central also yielded significant results. Troops rescued kidnap victims during separate incidents in Niger, Plateau and Kogi states. In Kwara State, Forest Guards neutralised a terrorist during a rescue mission and recovered weapons, while troops intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna and arrested wanted criminal suspects linked to previous attacks in Plateau.
Military personnel also arrested an ammunition courier along the Keffi-Abuja Road in Nasarawa State and apprehended suspected terrorist collaborators in Kogi State.
One of the notable operations occurred in Kogi State, where security agencies successfully rescued a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area. The victims were freed after sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon them.
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe discovered and dismantled two illegal crude oil refining sites in Rivers State containing stolen crude oil and refining equipment. Security operatives also neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a rescue operation linked to the abduction of students at Ambrose Alli University in Edo State, freeing three victims.
Similarly, troops of Operation Udoka recorded successes in the South-East by arresting suspected kidnappers, cult members and members of a proscribed secessionist group in Rivers and Abia states. Security forces recovered firearms and ammunition while rescuing additional kidnapped victims during separate operations. Major General Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops and all collaborating security agencies for their professionalism and intelligence-driven operations across the country.
He particularly praised the coordinated operation that secured the unconditional rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity. The Defence Headquarters extended condolences to families of victims who lost their lives during security operations and urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to sustain ongoing efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.
