- Safiu Kehinde
Scores of suspected terrorists have been neutralised with 61 suspects nabbed and 69 kidnapped victims rescued by the Nigerian troops in the last one week, the Defence Headquarters says.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in an operational update on Monday in Abuja.
According to Onoja, the troops conducted series of successful coordinated operations across the North East, North West, North Central, South-South and South East Theatres.
In the North-East, he said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists, repelling an ISWAP attack on a Forward Operating Base in Mairari.
According to him, two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) deployed by the terrorists were detected and neutralised, leading to multiple terrorist casualties and the recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, communication equipment and medical supplies.
He said the troops also discovered and safely detonated an IED along the Damboa–Komala axis, arrested nine collaborators and logistics suspects, and rescued three kidnapped victims, further degrading terrorist networks and enabling the resettlement of displaced persons.
In the North-West, Onoja said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted sustained offensive operations across Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Niger, neutralising several terrorists.
According to him, eight suspects were arrested and four kidnapped victims rescued, while weapons, vehicles and other items were recovered during the period.
He added that troops intercepted N9 million at Kadage in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, traced to ransom payment for abducted children, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
“Similarly, in the North-Central, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE neutralised some terrorists, arrested 16 criminals and rescued 19 kidnapped victims during operations across Plateau and parts of Kaduna State.
“Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE also recorded major successes in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi and Kwara, where eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and 43 kidnapped victims rescued from various hideouts.
“In a related development, troops arrested two impostors in Edo State for impersonating the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu,” he said.
In the South-South, Onoja said the troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft valued at over N15.6 million, apprehended 14 suspects, including gunrunners, and destroyed illegal refining sites across Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers.
In the South-East, he said the troops of Operation UDO KA apprehended four suspected criminals linked to IPOB/ESN activities in Anambra.
Onoja reaffirmed the military’s resolve to sustain operational momentum, protect civilians and adapt to evolving security threats, while commending troops for their bravery and professionalism, particularly in the successful rescue of abducted students in Niger.
He called on Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies, stressing that collective responsibility remained critical to restoring lasting peace and stability nationwide. (NAN)