Military Rescues Over 40 Kidnap Victims, Arrests More Than 20 Terror Suspects In One Week — DHQ

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescued more than 40 kidnapped victims and arrested over 20 suspected terrorists, collaborators and other criminal elements during coordinated security operations carried out across the country between July 10 and July 16, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, saying the nationwide operations also resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, the dismantling of criminal networks, the recovery of weapons and the destruction of illegal refining sites.

According to the military, the operations were conducted by troops of Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, Delta Safe and UDO KA, working alongside other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

Major General Onoja said troops sustained pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the North-East, leading to the surrender of 10 family members of terrorists.

He added that six suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators were arrested, while 13 abducted persons regained their freedom during separate operations.

The military also foiled attempted terrorist infiltration around Maiduguri, neutralised insurgents during ambush operations and arrested a suspected foreign spy at Mallam Fatori in Borno State.

In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, killed three terrorists and rescued 14 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Zamfara and Kebbi states.

The operations also led to the recovery of vehicles and other items abandoned by fleeing terrorists, while troops successfully repelled attacks on several communities.

In the North-Central region, troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued four kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states.

According to the DHQ, forest guards operating in Kwara also neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a Dane gun during one of the operations.

Operation Enduring Peace recorded additional successes after intercepting suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, arresting wanted criminal suspects in Plateau State and rescuing four kidnap victims following the foiling of attacks along major highways.

Major General Onoja further disclosed that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested an ammunition courier transporting 60 rounds of ammunition in Nasarawa State.

The troops also apprehended four suspected terrorist collaborators in Kogi State.

He revealed that sustained military pressure also 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 Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe continued its crackdown on crude oil theft by uncovering and destroying illegal refining sites in Rivers State.

The military said stolen crude oil and illegal refining equipment were recovered and destroyed during the operations.

Troops also neutralised two suspected kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles with ammunition and rescued three abducted persons.

In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group, recovered arms and ammunition and rescued two abductees along the Aba–Port Harcourt Motorway.

The Defence Headquarters said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for what he described as their professionalism, courage and commitment across the various theatres of operation.

According to the statement, the CDS also praised the intelligence-driven collaboration among security agencies, which culminated in the successful rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.

The military noted that the victims were rescued without any concession being made to their abductors.

General Oluyede urged Nigerians to continue supporting the armed forces and other security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, assuring that ongoing military operations would continue until peace, security and stability are fully restored across the country.