ABUJA: The Nigerian military has neutralised dozens of terrorists, arrested no fewer than 100 suspects and rescued at least 29 kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across the country within one week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while briefing journalists on military operations conducted between January 19 and 23.
Onoja said the intelligence-driven operations were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, in strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, international humanitarian law and human rights standards.
He said the sustained offensives disrupted terrorist and criminal networks, led to the recovery of arms and ammunition and restored relative calm in several troubled communities.
In the North East, troops of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai neutralised scores of Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists in parts of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. Seven suspects were arrested and four kidnapped victims rescued in several local government areas.
He added that air interdiction and armed reconnaissance missions in Damboa, Abadam and Doron Duguri areas of Borno State resulted in multiple precision strikes, with battle damage assessments confirming the neutralisation of dozens of terrorists.
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, with weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock recovered.
In the North Central, Operation Enduring Peace troops neutralised extremists, arrested 39 criminals and rescued four victims in Plateau and parts of Kaduna States, recovering arms, ammunition and about 4,500 dollars traced to cattle rustling proceeds.
Similarly, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested 11 suspected kidnappers and rescued six victims across Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa States and the Federal Capital Territory.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe troops destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 oil thieves across Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Imo States.
In the South East, Operation Udo Ka rescued eight Cameroonian nationals abducted by sea pirates in Cross River, arrested three suspects in Anambra and received the surrender of about 80 militants with their arms and ammunition.
Onoja reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting citizens, while urging the media to sustain responsible reportage in support of national security efforts.
