Troops Rescue Hostages, Kill Terrorists, Arrest Suspects in Nationwide Operations

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) say troops rescued abducted civilians, neutralised terrorists, arrested suspected collaborators and dismantled criminal camps in coordinated operations carried out across the country between 3 and 9 July.

According to a press release signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the operations targeted insurgents, kidnappers, armed robbers, oil thieves and other criminal groups in the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East.

In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued six abducted farmers in Chibok, Borno State, and destroyed terrorist logistics bases in Ngala Local Government Area. Troops also arrested suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers in Borno and Yobe states, rescued two more abductees in Askira Uba and recovered ₦1.2 million believed to be ransom money. A wanted suspect was also arrested in Adamawa State, where an AK-47 rifle, magazines and ammunition were recovered.

Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North-West, troops recovered weapons and livestock while foiling cattle rustling and terrorist activities in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states. Four suspects were arrested in Zamfara while allegedly transporting materials believed to be intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), while another offensive in Kaura Namoda led to the killing of a terrorist and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and rocket-propelled grenade rounds.

In Niger and Kwara states, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD disrupted suspected terrorist logistics and weapons supply networks, arresting suspects and recovering motorcycles, fuel, cash, mobile phones and AK-47 magazines.

Operation ENDURING PEACE troops in Plateau State arrested suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, recovered firearms, narcotics and stolen property, and apprehended two suspects linked to an earlier attack on troops at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru.

In Benue, Kogi and Taraba states, troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE killed a wanted terrorist leader identified as Puuga in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State and recovered an AK-47 rifle. Troops also rescued several kidnapping victims, including a 72-year-old woman identified as Lydia Odegba, the mother-in-law of the Katsina-Ala Local Government chairman, as well as other abductees in Kogi State. A raid on a terrorist camp in Kogi also led to the recovery of 249 rustled cattle.

In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE rescued 37 traders and crew members from sea pirates along the Oron-Ibaka waterways in Akwa Ibom State. In Edo State, troops working with the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested an alleged kidnap kingpin, Saidu Mohammed, and another suspect following intelligence obtained during the operation.

The military also intensified operations against oil theft in Rivers State, dismantling several illegal refining sites in Ahoada West Local Government Area and recovering more than 205,000 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products.

In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA raided suspected criminal hideouts in Imo and Enugu states, recovering firearms, military-style uniforms and other items allegedly used to impersonate security personnel. Troops also destroyed an illegal oil bunkering site in Abia State containing 70 illegal refining pits and recovered petroleum products.

The Defence Headquarters said the Air Component of the Armed Forces also supported ground operations by carrying out precision air missions. It said an air operation in Niger State enabled the escape of nine kidnap victims, while another mission neutralised terrorists transporting more than 100 rustled cattle through the Riyawa Forest.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for what he described as their professionalism and courage during the operation.