Abuja — Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have neutralised dozens of terrorists, arrested more than 100 suspects, and rescued at least 29 kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the outcome of ongoing military operations conducted between January 19 and January 23.
Onoja said the operations were intelligence-driven and executed in collaboration with other security agencies, with strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, international humanitarian law, and human rights standards.
According to him, the sustained offensives disrupted terrorist and criminal networks, led to the recovery of significant quantities of arms and ammunition, and restored relative calm to several troubled communities.
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised scores of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists during operations in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. Seven suspects were arrested and four kidnapped victims rescued in areas including Damboa, Askira/Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Gwoza, and Biu LGAs of Borno State, as well as Michika and Damaturu LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe states.
Onoja said air interdiction and armed reconnaissance missions in Damboa, Abadam, and Doron Duguri resulted in multiple precision strikes, with battle damage assessments confirming the neutralisation of dozens of terrorists and destruction of their equipment.
In the North West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised several terrorists, arrested 10 suspects, and rescued seven kidnapped victims in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna states, while recovering weapons, vehicles, and rustled livestock.
In the North Central, troops of Operation Enduring Peace neutralised extremists, arrested 39 suspects, and rescued four victims in Plateau and parts of Kaduna State. Recovered items included arms, ammunition, and $4,500 traced to proceeds from cattle rustling.
Similarly, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested 11 suspected kidnappers and rescued six victims across Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 oil thieves and other criminals in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, and Imo states.
In the South East, troops of Operation Udo Ka rescued eight Cameroonian nationals kidnapped by sea pirates in Cross River State, arrested three suspects in Anambra State, and recorded the surrender of about 80 militants along with their arms and ammunition.
Onoja reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property, while urging the media to continue responsible and accurate reporting in support of national security efforts.
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