The Defence Headquarters says Nigerian troops have rescued 36 abducted persons and neutralised several terrorists and criminal elements during operations conducted across the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, detailing military operations carried out between August 31 and September 3.
Onoja said the operations focused on terrorists, kidnappers, arms traffickers, criminal networks and secessionist groups operating in different parts of the country.
In the North-East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI conducted counter-terrorism operations in Borno and Yobe states, disrupting terrorist activities and their supply routes.
According to Onoja, troops killed a terrorist after an Improvised Explosive Device detonated along the Miyanti-Banki Junction route in Bama, Borno, on September 1. A rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator were subsequently recovered.
He said another terrorist was killed during an encounter at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba, Yobe State, with troops recovering a rifle and ammunition.
The military spokesman added that troops intercepted a terrorist escapee in Sabsawa, Bama, after the suspect reportedly fled captivity because of hunger and harsh conditions.
Onoja also disclosed that a suspected logistics supplier was arrested in Konduga while allegedly transporting food items to a terrorist enclave in Bama.
He said several terrorists surrendered to troops during the period, while suspected suppliers, informants and spies were also apprehended.
In Mafa, Dikwa, 21 women and children reportedly surrendered to troops following clashes between rival terrorist factions.
In the North-West, troops operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out offensive operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Onoja said two terrorist kingpins were killed and another wounded during a raid on suspected hideouts in Kogo, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Two motorcycles were also destroyed during the operation.
In Kaduna, troops intercepted a vehicle at Kadage, Giwa, carrying 793 rounds of ammunition allegedly concealed inside a sack of grain. One suspect who attempted to flee was neutralised
The Defence Headquarters further reported an ambush on terrorists riding motorcycles along the Shinkafi-Zurmi axis of Zamfara State, where troops recovered an RPG launcher, a rifle and ammunition, among other items.
The military said six abducted persons were rescued while being transported from Ayu Market in Mehinua, Wasagu, Kebbi State.
Another 23 abductees — three men and 20 women — were rescued from the outskirts of Wuya, Anka, Zamfara State. The victims were reportedly held captive for about three weeks before being evacuated for medical attention.
Two more kidnap victims were rescued along the Dandume-Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa, Katsina State, with troops recovering two motorcycles.
In Sokoto State, troops conducted clearance operations in several locations, including Tsamiya, Gandaba Gabas, Karradai, Zamoria, Tumunna and Bilange Forest in Tangaza.
Onoja said the operation led to the destruction of a terrorist camp and the recovery of military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle.
In the North-Central, troops operating under Operation WHIRL STROKE engaged suspected terrorists along the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala, Benue State.
One terrorist was killed while another escaped. Troops recovered a pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and charms.
In Kogi State, troops reportedly forced kidnappers to abandon two women abducted in Ajodomodo, Dekina. The victims were found unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest.
Troops also raided a wanted gang leader’s hideout in Peva, Takum, Taraba State, arresting five suspected gang members and recovering ammunition and other items. The gang leader, however, escaped.
Meanwhile, troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued five male kidnap victims from farms along the Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Mariga, Niger State.
In Kwara State, troops apprehended a suspected terrorist fighter who had reportedly sustained gunshot wounds.
In the South-East, troops under Operation UDO KA arrested two suspects in Mbosi, Ihiala, Anambra State, for allegedly providing medical assistance to members of a secessionist group.
The troops also raided the Iva Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North, where a suspected member of a secessionist syndicate was arrested.
The suspect was allegedly involved in coordinating attacks against security agencies.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their efforts and resilience in combating terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Onoja said the CDS also praised the collaboration among the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders.
He urged Nigerians, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing security agencies with credible information.
Oluyede, according to the statement, assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would continue their operations until peace and security are restored across the country.
“The Armed Forces will sustain operations until peace, stability and security are restored across the country,” Onoja quoted the Chief of Defence Staff as saying.
