Military rescues 66 kidnapped victims, neutralises scores of terrorists in 1 week

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescued 66 kidnapped persons, neutralised several terrorists and arrested scores of suspects during nationwide operations between Sept. 11 and 17.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement highlighting the military’s operational successes during the period.

Onoja said troops also recovered arms and ammunition, dismantled terrorist logistics and informant networks, and cleared 12 improvised explosive devices across several theatres.

He said troops of Operation Savannah Shield recorded one of the biggest single rescue operations, freeing 22 kidnap victims at Muchiya Village in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger.

According to him, troops also neutralised five terrorists in separate operations across Kwara and Niger States and recovered firearms, ammunition and motorcycles.

In the North-East, Onoja said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai rescued 14 abductees around Armuda and Gava in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

According to him, the rescued victims include Malam Sadiq, Chief Imam of Ngoshe, who had been abducted during an attack on the community in March.

He added that troops also rescued a woman who escaped terrorist captivity after five months alongside two minors who had reportedly spent six months in captivity.

“Two other family members were rescued along the Gwoza-Limankara Road, while a repentant terrorist surrendered at Benisheikh with an AK-47 rifle, hand grenade and IED.

“Troops also arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, informants and spies involved in providing intelligence on troop movements and planning attacks on military positions,” he added.

In the North-West, Onoja said the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued several victims during operations in Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto States.

He said the troops rescued 10 abducted persons comprising three men, seven women and a child at Unguwan Rimi Village in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina.

Onoja added that troops also rescued three kidnap victims at Gidan Gulbi in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna and intercepted two victims and their child who escaped their captors along the Alikere-Yankara Road in Faskari, Katsina.

He said troops further rescued victims following terrorist attacks on communities in Kanan Maharba, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto.

The defence spokesman further stated that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted clearance operations around Gumki village in Kebbi, toward the Nigeria-Niger border, neutralising several terrorists.

The troops recovered a machine gun, rifle, ammunition, four motorcycles and other items during the operation.

“In the North-Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested suspected informants and logistics suppliers linked to terrorist and kidnapping networks in Benue, Kogi and Taraba.

“Troops of Operation Enduring Peace also rescued an abducted resident and his wife at Ateli Village in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna.

“On Sept.16, the troops rescued a two-year-old child abducted alongside his mother at Tayu Village in the same local government area,” he said.

In the South-East, Onoja said the troops of Operation UDO KA dismantled an illegal bunkering site near Well Head 17/20 in Egbema West, Imo, destroying about 1,300 litres of stolen crude oil.

According to him, troops also arrested a suspected secessionist IED fabrication expert who was allegedly on a watchlist and reportedly en route to procure materials for explosives production.

In Edo, he said the troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested a suspected kidnapper along the Benin-Sapele Road and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.

Onoja said the operations demonstrated the AFN’s sustained resolve to degrade terrorist and criminal networks, rescue citizens and deny violent groups freedom of action across the country.

He said Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, professionalism and sacrifices across all theatres.

He said the CDS had also commended the collaboration among the military, other security agencies and local stakeholders, while urging Nigerians, traditional institutions and community leaders to provide timely and credible information.

“He further urged the media to sustain fair and balanced coverage of military operations,” he said.

Onoja said the AFN would sustain its offensive until lasting peace, security and stability were achieved nationwide.