The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescued more than 40 kidnapped victims and arrested over 20 suspected terrorists, collaborators and other criminal elements during coordinated operations conducted across the country between July 10 and July 16.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, detailing the military’s nationwide operations.
According to Onoja, troops also neutralised several terrorists and dismantled criminal networks during the operations.
He said the successes were recorded by troops of Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, Delta Safe and UDO KA, working in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, leading to the surrender of 10 family members of insurgents, the arrest of six suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators, and the rescue of 13 kidnapped victims.
He added that troops foiled infiltration attempts around Maiduguri, neutralised terrorists during ambush operations and arrested a suspected foreign spy at Mallam Fatori in Borno State.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested terrorist collaborators, neutralised three terrorists and rescued 14 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Zamfara and Kebbi states.
The troops also recovered vehicles and other items abandoned by fleeing terrorists while repelling attacks on several communities.
Onoja said troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued four kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states. He added that forest guards neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a dane gun during an operation in Kwara State.
He further disclosed that troops of Operation Enduring Peace intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, arrested wanted criminal suspects in Plateau State and rescued four kidnapped victims after thwarting attacks along major highways.
According to him, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested an ammunition courier transporting 60 rounds of ammunition in Nasarawa State and four suspected terrorist collaborators in Kogi State.
The operation also led to the rescue of a school principal, a NECO official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State after sustained military pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified the crackdown on crude oil theft by uncovering and destroying illegal refining sites in Rivers State containing stolen crude oil and refining equipment.
He added that troops neutralised two suspected kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles and ammunition, and rescued three abducted victims.
In the South-East, Onoja said troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group, recovered weapons and ammunition, and rescued two kidnapped victims along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway.
He said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and commitment across the various theatres of operation.
According to him, the CDS also praised the intelligence-driven collaboration among security agencies that led to the unconditional rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity, without any concession to the kidnappers.
Onoja urged Nigerians to continue supporting the armed forces and other security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, assuring that ongoing operations would continue until lasting peace, security and stability are restored across the country.
