By Taibat Ummi Yakubu
Nigerian troops recorded fresh successes in ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations across the country, eliminating several terrorists, arresting suspected collaborators and rescuing kidnapped victims within one week, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed the achievements while providing an update on military activities conducted between May 28 and June 4.
According to him, troops operating under various military formations sustained pressure on terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups through coordinated ground and air operations in different parts of the country.
In the North-East, personnel of Operation HADIN KAI arrested a suspected kidnapper alongside 10 individuals accused of collaborating with terrorists. The troops also rescued five persons who escaped from terrorist camps.
Onoja said one terrorist was neutralised during the operations, while troops recovered ammunition, a magazine, communication devices, a solar panel and other equipment.
He added that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North-West dealt further blows to terrorist groups by killing three fighters and apprehending an informant as well as a notorious kingpin.
Weapons and ammunition recovered from the suspects included an AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine and rounds of ammunition, while several terrorist hideouts were destroyed.
In Niger State, troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD successfully repelled a terrorist ambush, killing several of the attackers and recovering 15 motorcycles and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The military spokesman also revealed that security forces arrested a wanted informant believed to have played roles in previous attacks in Borgu Local Government Area of the state.
Further operations in Kaduna State led to the rescue of five kidnapped passengers by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, while two injured victims received immediate medical evacuation and treatment.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE operating in Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states neutralised a terrorist, arrested 10 suspects and rescued two kidnap victims.
Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition, explosive devices, motorcycles and vehicles.
In the South-South region, Operation DELTA SAFE recorded the arrest of seven suspected kidnappers. Troops also recovered locally made firearms and motorcycles while disrupting planned kidnapping operations.
Onoja said some of the suspects arrested in the region were linked to the killing of a farmer during an unsuccessful abduction attempt.
He further disclosed that troops of Operation UDO KA in the South-East arrested five suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The operation also led to the rescue of village chiefs who had been held hostage in Ebonyi State.
The defence spokesman said the outcomes of the operations reflected the military’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace in affected communities.
He assured Nigerians that troops would continue to pursue terrorists and other criminal elements while intensifying efforts to secure the release of citizens still in captivity.
Onoja urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information through designated channels, including the emergency toll-free number 193.
He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, discipline and commitment in the various theatres of operation across the country.
