In a series of coordinated military operations across the country, Nigerian troops have rescued 12 kidnapped victims and neutralized several terrorists, while arresting dozens of criminal elements including oil thieves, arms traffickers, and extremist collaborators.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this on Friday, stating that the operations, conducted between July 29 and August 4, spanned several states across the North East, North West, North Central, South East, and Niger Delta regions.
In Gwagwalada (FCT) and Nasarawa State, troops rescued 12 hostages during a raid on terrorist hideouts. Two terrorists were killed, two others arrested, and various weapons, motorcycles, and vehicles were recovered from the scene.
Elsewhere, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested a suspected gunrunner in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, along with 15 other criminals in parts of Benue and Taraba States. The operations also led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, and N842,100 in cash.
In ongoing security efforts in Plateau State, troops of Operation Safe Haven responded to terrorist threats in Mangu, Riyom, and Jos East LGAs. Several extremists were killed in firefights, three kidnapped victims were rescued, and one criminal was arrested. Between July 30 and August 2, five suspected extremists were arrested in Mangu, Jos North, and Bassa LGAs.
In the North West, troops conducted raids in Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi States, leading to the neutralization of terrorists, arrest of suspects, and rescue of kidnapped victims. In one encounter, a kidnapper was killed and N3.6 million was recovered, alongside weapons and ammunition. In Sokoto State, troops rescued three more kidnapped individuals during clearance operations in Wurno LGA.
The military also recorded significant gains in the North East, where ground troops, supported by the Air Component and local hybrid forces, dismantled terrorist enclaves and logistics networks in Borno and Yobe States. Operations covered areas including Ajiri, Kamura-Buratai, Bulabulin Forest, and Gamji village. Scores of terrorists were killed, five arrested, and two kidnap victims rescued. Seven suspected terrorist collaborators were apprehended during subsequent operations in Kaga, Ngala, and Maiduguri.
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe intercepted oil thieves and shut down illegal refining operations valued at over N73.2 million. A total of 63,824 litres of stolen crude oil and 11,190 litres of illegally refined kerosene were recovered. Four illegal refining sites, eight crude oil ovens, and multiple storage pits and boats were also destroyed. Nine suspects were arrested, with several arms, ammunition, vehicles, and other equipment seized during the crackdown in Delta and Bayelsa States.
In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka apprehended four suspected IPOB/ESN members and a kidnapper in Enugu, Abia, and Anambra States. Weapons, ammunition, and a vehicle were recovered, and the suspects remain in custody for further investigation.
Major General Kangye commended the efforts of the armed forces and reaffirmed their commitment to restoring peace and stability. “Our gallant troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and hybrid forces, will continue working tirelessly to ensure that peace and security are returned to all troubled parts of the country,” he said.
