Troops Neutralise Bandits, Terrorists, Rescue 73 Kidnap Victims, Recover 211,790 Litres of Stolen Fuel

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified nationwide offensives against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, neutralising several fighters across multiple theatres of operation, rescuing 73 kidnapped civilians, and recovering 211,790 litres of stolen and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during operations conducted between June 19 and 25.

The military said bandits were killed in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, while terrorists were also neutralised in Banki and Buratai in Borno State, Giwa in Kaduna State, Ogboji-Ajali in Anambra State, and Obafemi Owode in Ogun State, as troops sustained pressure on criminal groups nationwide.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded major successes in the North-East, where two teenage relatives of terrorists surrendered in Borno State, while troops rescued five abductees in Gwoza, evacuated 27 surrendered terrorists and their family members from Kukawa, rescued eight additional escapees, and later freed 53 civilians and recovered eight hijacked vehicles along the Buratai-Kamuya road.

Troops also repelled coordinated terrorist attacks in Buratai and neutralised two suspected terrorist spies attempting to infiltrate Nigeria through the Banki border.

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested several terrorist suspects and foiled planned attacks in Zamfara, Kaduna and Kano states, while raids on bandit enclaves in Katsina led to the killing of four bandits and the recovery of machine guns, motorcycles and military uniforms.

In the North-Central, troops of Operation Savannah Shield killed two kidnappers during a rescue operation in Ogun State, while Operation Whirl Stroke intercepted a cache of arms and ammunition along the Sokoto-Kano highway, disrupting a major arms supply network. Troops also arrested a suspected terrorist at Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory after forensic examination of his mobile phones allegedly linked him to terrorist activities.

In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe dealt significant blows to crude oil thieves and kidnappers, recovering a total of 211,790 litres of suspected illegally refined and adulterated AGO in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. The seizures comprised 103,500 litres intercepted aboard a wooden boat in Rivers, 63,290 litres recovered from hidden storage points in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, and 45,000 litres intercepted in a truck along the Itu-Calabar Road in Akwa Ibom State.

Troops also arrested suspected kidnappers in Edo State and rescued two victims, Mr Friday Agbiloson and Mr Hammed Salisu, from a forest hideout, while a joint raid in Cross River State led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of arms.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their gallantry and professionalism and expressed appreciation to local communities, vigilante groups and other security agencies for providing intelligence that contributed to the successes. He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations until peace and security are fully restored across the country.