The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has announced significant strides in its ongoing nationwide military operations aimed at combating terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats, with the arrest of key terrorist collaborators and the rescue of kidnapped victims.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, revealed that the armed forces, working in tandem with hybrid forces and other security agencies, have continued to carry out coordinated offensive operations across the country. He stated that the intensified operations are part of efforts to ensure safe access to farmlands and promote national food security, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
“Our troops have remained resolute and committed to their constitutional duty of safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and protecting our people from all threats,” Maj.-Gen. Kangye said. “We are not negotiating the nation’s security.”
Providing a summary of operations carried out between May 8 and May 15, Kangye noted that multiple terrorist camps were destroyed, kidnapped victims rescued, and significant arrests made. Among those apprehended were Zakari Abubakar and Aliyu Musa, both identified as wanted informants and logistics suppliers, arrested in Suleja and Borgu local government areas of Niger State.
Additionally, troops intercepted an ammunition courier, Rufai Abdullahi, in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Recovered items include arms, ammunition, locally made weapons, motorcycles, pumping and drilling machines, mobile phones, and vehicles,” he said.
In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai conducted fighting patrols and clearance missions in Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, and Damboa areas of Borno State. These efforts resulted in the neutralization of numerous terrorists, the recovery of assorted ammunition, and the rescue of 17 kidnapped individuals.
Similarly, in the North-West, the military’s Operation Fansan Yamma eliminated several terrorists and rescued 129 kidnapped victims in Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
In the oil-rich Niger Delta region, Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft operations valued at over N103 million. Seized items included 68,875 litres of stolen crude oil, 31,166 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 2,250 litres of kerosene. Troops also destroyed 16 illegal crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 79 drums, 18 illegal refining sites, and recovered multiple boats and storage tanks.
“The courage and professionalism displayed by our troops, along with the support of local communities, have been pivotal in achieving these successes,” Kangye added. “We commend the cooperation of civilians in providing vital intelligence.”
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and ensuring national security across all regions, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and support ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.