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 military 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 issued on Saturday in Abuja, saying the operations also led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, destruction of criminal networks and recovery of weapons, ammunition and other operational items.
According to Onoja, 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, he said troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, leading to the surrender of 10 family members of terrorists, the arrest of six suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators, and the rescue of 13 abductees.
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He added that the troops thwarted infiltration attempts around Maiduguri, neutralised terrorists during ambush operations and arrested a suspected foreign spy at Mallam Fatori in Borno State.
Onoja further disclosed that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West arrested terrorist collaborators, neutralised three terrorists and rescued 14 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Zamfara and Kebbi states.
According to him, the troops also recovered vehicles and other valuables abandoned by fleeing terrorists while successfully repelling attacks on several communities.
The defence spokesman said troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued four kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states, while forest guards neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a Dane gun during an operation in Kwara State.
He added that troops of Operation Enduring Peace intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, arrested wanted criminal suspects in Plateau State and rescued four kidnap victims after foiling attacks along major highways.
In the North-Central, Onoja said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested an ammunition courier transporting 60 rounds of ammunition in Nasarawa State and apprehended four suspected terrorist collaborators in Kogi State.
He revealed that sustained military pressure also forced kidnappers to abandon 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 of Kogi State, leading to their safe rescue.
On operations in the Niger Delta, Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed illegal refining sites in Rivers State containing stolen crude oil and illegal refining equipment as part of ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft.
He added that the troops also neutralised two suspected kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles with ammunition and rescued three abducted victims.
In the South-East, the Director of Defence Media Operations said troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group, recovered arms and ammunition and rescued two abductees along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway.
Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism, courage and commitment across all theatres of operation.
He added that the CDS also praised the intelligence-driven collaboration among security agencies which culminated in the unconditional rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity without any concession to the abductors.
While urging Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies with credible and timely intelligence, Onoja assured that ongoing operations would be sustained until lasting peace, security and stability are restored across the country.
