The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified counter-terrorism operations across the country, killing scores of terrorists and rescuing 67 kidnapped victims within a two-week period.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Olatokunbo Bello, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while briefing journalists on military activities conducted between November 3 and 14.
According to Bello, the operations, carried out across all geopolitical zones, also led to the arrest of 94 suspects linked to terrorism, banditry, oil theft and other criminal activities.
“Our troops have remained relentless. Between November 3 and November 14, they neutralised several terrorists, dismantled criminal hideouts, rescued 67 kidnapped victims and arrested 94 criminal suspects,” he stated.
He revealed that troops recovered large quantities of arms, ammunition and equipment, including automatic rifles, machine guns, locally fabricated weapons, RPG tubes, and materials used for improvised explosive devices.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained offensive assaults in Borno and Adamawa States, killing many Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
“Troops also apprehended 45 terrorists’ informants, collaborators and logistics suppliers, and rescued one kidnapped victim,” Bello said.
In the North-West, Operation Fagge Yamma recorded further gains across Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi and Kano States, killing several terrorists and rescuing 13 hostages. Two suspects were arrested in the process.
In the North-Central region, troops under Operation Enduring Peace responded to attacks in Plateau and Kaduna States, killing extremists, arresting 16 suspects and rescuing five kidnapped persons. A notorious criminal identified as Ibrahim Wakili was also apprehended in Kaduna’s Sanga Local Government Area on November 9.
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke enhanced security in Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States, killing several criminals, arresting 10 suspects and rescuing 48 kidnapped victims. Bello added that two gunrunners and two extremist collaborators were also arrested in Nasarawa State.
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe blocked attempts to steal crude oil worth more than N15.8 million. Several illegal refining camps were dismantled, and nine suspected oil thieves were arrested in Bayelsa and Delta States.
Bello noted that troops of Operation Udo Ka continued to disrupt criminal activities in the South-East, killing one armed militant and arresting seven others in operations conducted across Imo, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
The defence spokesman commended the troops for their resilience and urged the media to support national security efforts by sharing only verified information.
“We appreciate the courage of our troops and encourage the media to continue disseminating accurate and responsible reports that enhance national security,” he said.
