Nigerian troops rescued 42 kidnapped victims, neutralised eight terrorists, arrested 28 suspects and dismantled two illegal oil refining sites in one week.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, working alongside other security agencies, recorded significant operational successes across different parts of the country over the past week.
According to the military, security forces rescued 42 kidnapped victims, neutralised eight terrorists, arrested 28 suspected criminals and dismantled two illegal crude oil refining sites during coordinated operations nationwide.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the achievements during the military’s weekly operational briefing.
He said the operations were carried out across various theatres, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East, with troops sustaining pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, criminal gangs and oil thieves.
Major successes in the North-East
Major General Onoja said troops of Operation Hadin Kai continued to weaken terrorist networks in Borno State through intelligence-driven operations, arrests and rescue missions.
On July 10, troops received four family members of terrorists who escaped from Kunde, near the Mandara Mountains, and voluntarily surrendered in Gwoza Local Government Area.
On the same day, security operatives arrested Mohammed Goni, identified as a suspected logistics supplier to terrorists, at the Molai entrance gate in Jere Local Government Area.
The following day, another suspected terrorist collaborator, Janyu Alhaji Mamman, was arrested in Monguno after intelligence obtained from an earlier suspect led troops to his location.
Between July 12 and July 13, six additional relatives of terrorists surrendered to troops deployed in Pulka, Gwoza and the Gwoza-Limankara axis.
Security forces also intercepted another suspected logistics supplier along the Mandaragirau-Biu Road in Biu Local Government Area, while a man identified as Abubakar Mohammed Zen, who claimed to be a citizen of Niger Republic, was arrested at Mallam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area over allegations of espionage.
Further operations on July 15 led to the arrest of two more suspected logistics suppliers on Kauji Road in Damboa Local Government Area.
Another suspect, Ali Umar, was apprehended in Gubio after allegedly admitting that he supplied petroleum products to terrorists.
Troops also foiled attempted terrorist infiltrations into Muna Garage, Shuwari village and the Ajilari area in Jere Local Government Area. A follow-up operation resulted in the discovery of the body of a dead terrorist.
The military equally rescued several kidnapped civilians during separate operations. Among them was Usman Hassan, who had been abducted in Bauchi State in April and was safely reunited with his family after being rescued in Kukawa.
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Another victim, Aisha Mohammed, regained her freedom under similar circumstances. Troops also rescued two civilians around Armuda Bridge in Gwoza before handing them over to the Ngoshe community leadership.
On July 15, four women and five children were rescued near the same bridge. Military medical teams treated the victims for minor injuries before they were reunited with local authorities.
Operations in the North-West
Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma also recorded notable gains against terrorist groups operating in Zamfara and Kebbi states.
A suspected terrorist collaborator travelling between Dunfami village and Birnin Magaji was intercepted on July 11, while another suspect was arrested at Sakajiki village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area the following day. Security personnel also recovered a motorcycle from the suspect.
On July 13, troops repelled an attack on Mokurata village in Kebbi State, killing two terrorists.
The following day, troops confronted terrorists who had infiltrated Bukkuyum town in Zamfara, eliminating another insurgent.
Security personnel also rescued eight commuters kidnapped during an attack near Ungwan Rogo village and recovered two vehicles abandoned by the attackers.
In another successful operation near Tungan Kudaduku village in Anka Local Government Area, five abducted victims were freed from a terrorist hideout.
On July 15, troops rescued Mahadi Haruna, who had been kidnapped while working on his father’s farm in Zurmi Local Government Area. He was safely reunited with his family without injuries.
Progress in the North-Central
In Niger State, troops of Operation Savanna Shield swiftly responded to a kidnapping incident in Agwan Tomato, Tafa Local Government Area, rescuing two victims shortly after they were abducted.
A day later, intelligence received by the Kwara State Forest Guards prompted a coordinated operation around Owa-Onire community in Isin Local Government Area.
Security operatives rescued two children, neutralised one suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ten magazines and a Dane gun.
The recovered weapons were later handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace intercepted a vehicle suspected of transporting illegal firearms at Samaru checkpoint in Kaduna State.
One suspect was arrested, while another sustained gunshot injuries after attempting to escape.
Recovered from the vehicle were three locally fabricated rifles and four submachine guns allegedly destined for criminal groups in Niger State.
In Plateau State, troops arrested wanted suspect Abdulrazaq Mohammed, who is allegedly linked to deadly attacks on residents of Sabon Gida and Twin Hill communities.
Security personnel also responded to reports of kidnappers blocking the Hawan Kibo-Rafin Sanyi highway in Riyom Local Government Area.
Their intervention led to the rescue of four abducted victims, while efforts to capture the fleeing kidnappers continue.
Operation Whirl Stroke also recorded several breakthroughs. Troops arrested Umar Shehu along the Keffi-Abuja Road in Nasarawa State and recovered 60 rounds of ammunition.
Four suspected terrorist collaborators were also arrested in Kabba, Kogi State.
Following a kidnapping incident in Benue State, troops engaged the attackers, while local hunters in Kogi apprehended another suspected terrorist and handed him over to the military.
On July 16, sustained security pressure forced kidnappers to abandon a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. The victims were rescued alive and are currently receiving medical attention and undergoing debriefing.
Crackdown on oil theft and criminal activities
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified efforts against crude oil theft and illegal refining.
Operations carried out in Ogbogolo community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, led to the discovery and destruction of two illegal refining sites containing stolen crude oil and equipment used for illicit refining.
One of the sites contained approximately 1,400 litres of stolen crude oil.
Following the kidnapping incident at Ambrose Alli University in Edo State, troops launched a search operation around the suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Esan West Local Government Area.
During the raid, two kidnappers were neutralised while three abducted victims were rescued. Security personnel also recovered three rifles and ammunition before reuniting the victims with their families.
South-East operations
Troops of Operation Udoka also recorded several arrests and recoveries.
After arresting suspected cult member and kidnapper Vitalis Confidence, troops raided Ogbogoro community in Rivers State and recovered an assault rifle alongside 45 rounds of ammunition.
In Abia State, security forces raided suspected criminal hideouts in Atan and Uhuru villages, arresting two alleged members of a proscribed separatist group while recovering a pump-action gun and cartridges.
Troops also intercepted a truck along the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway after kidnappers allegedly shot the driver and attempted to divert the vehicle with two abducted victims into Rivers State.
The victims were rescued, while a locally made pistol and the truck were recovered.
Defence Chief commends troops
Major General Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, praised troops for their professionalism, resilience and coordinated operations across the country.
He particularly commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the intelligence-led operation that secured the safe and unconditional rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the successful operation was carried out without any ransom or concession to the kidnappers. The CDS also extended condolences to families who lost loved ones during the tragic incident.
The military urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence, assuring citizens that ongoing operations would continue until lasting peace, security and stability are restored across the country.
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