Abuja: In a week of coordinated offensives across Nigeria, military forces neutralised dozens of terrorists, apprehended more than 100 suspects, and freed at least 29 kidnapped victims — underscoring the Defence Headquarters’ intensified push against insecurity.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while giving updates on the outcomes of the ongoing military operations from January 19 to January 23.
Onoja said the operations, conducted with other security agencies, were intelligence-driven and executed with professionalism and strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, as well as respect for international humanitarian law and human rights.
According to him, the sustained offensive actions disrupted terrorist and criminal networks, led to the recovery of large quantities of arms and ammunition, and restored relative calm in several troubled communities.
In the North East, Onoja said troops of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai neutralised scores of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists during operations in parts of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.
He said seven suspects were apprehended and four kidnapped victims rescued in Damboa, Askira/Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Gwoza, and Biu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno, as well as Michika and Damaturu LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe States.
“Air interdiction and armed reconnaissance missions carried out in Damboa, Abadam, and Doron Duguri areas of Borno State resulted in multiple precision strikes.
“Battle damage assessment confirmed that troops eliminated dozens of terrorists and destroyed their equipment,” he said. In the North West, Onoja said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised several terrorists, apprehended 10 suspects, and rescued seven kidnapped victims during operations in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna States.
He added that weapons, vehicles, and rustled livestock were also recovered.
The defence spokesman said troops of Operation Enduring Peace in the North Central neutralised some extremists, apprehended 39 criminals, and rescued four kidnapped victims during operations in Plateau and parts of Kaduna States.
He added that arms and ammunition were recovered, including 4,500 dollars traced to proceeds from cattle rustling.
Similarly, Onoja said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested 11 suspected kidnappers and rescued six kidnapped victims across Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa States, and the Federal Capital Territory.
In the South-South, Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe dismantled 20 illegal refining sites and apprehended 31 oil thieves and other criminals across Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, and Imo States.
In the South East, Onoja said troops of Operation Udo Ka rescued eight Cameroonian nationals kidnapped by sea pirates in Cross River, arrested three suspects in Anambra, and received the surrender of about 80 militants with their arms and ammunition.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting citizens, while calling on the media to sustain responsible, accurate reporting in support of national security efforts.
