The Nigerian military says its troops rescued more than 40 kidnapped victims and arrested over 20 suspected terrorists, collaborators and other criminal suspects during operations conducted across the country between 10 and 16 July.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja. He said several terrorists were also killed and criminal networks disrupted during the operations.
According to Onoja, the operations were carried out by troops under Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, Delta Safe and UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai received the surrender of 10 family members of suspected terrorists, arrested six suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators, and rescued 13 kidnapped victims. They also repelled attempted attacks around Maiduguri, killed several terrorists during ambush operations and arrested a suspected foreign spy in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, killed three suspected terrorists and rescued 14 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Zamfara and Kebbi states. They also recovered vehicles and other items abandoned by fleeing suspects.
Operation Savannah Shield troops rescued four kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states. In a separate operation in Kwara, forest guards killed a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a dane gun.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace arrested suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, apprehended wanted criminal suspects in Plateau State and rescued four kidnapped victims after thwarting attacks along major highways.
In Nasarawa State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested a suspected ammunition courier found with 60 rounds of ammunition, while four suspected terrorist collaborators were arrested in neighbouring Kogi State.
The military also rescued a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students who were abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. According to the military, the victims regained their freedom after sustained security pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon them.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe dismantled illegal oil refining sites in Rivers State. They also killed two suspected kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles and ammunition, and rescued three abducted victims.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected members of a proscribed separatist group, recovered weapons and ammunition, and rescued two kidnapped victims along the Aba–Port Harcourt highway.
Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication in carrying out the operations.
He added that the CDS also praised security agencies for the intelligence-led operation that secured the unconditional release of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
Onoja appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, assuring that ongoing operations would continue until peace and security are fully restored across the country.
