Abuja: Between May 15 and 21, Nigerian forces mounted nationwide offensives that dismantled multiple terrorist cells, arrested over 40 suspects, and freed at least nine kidnapped victims, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja, detailing operational successes recorded across various theatres.
Onoja said troops maintained operational activity during the period, removing insurgent camps, intercepting supply chains, and recovering weapons and other materials.
Turning to the North-East, he said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised two terrorists in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno and apprehended four suspected collaborators involved in cattle rustling.
Onoja added that several insurgents and their family members surrendered to troops, including two adult females and seven minors in Dikwa, as well as other individuals departing areas of sustained military activity.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma killed at least four individuals identified as terrorists and detained a person described as a major supplier of weapons to groups labelled as bandits.
“Troops also recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun, one AK-47 rifle, and 216 rounds of ammunition, while a kidnapped school pupil was rescued in Katsina State.
Troops in Zamfara responded to attacks on communities and destroyed camps associated with terrorist groups, causing members of these groups to leave their locations, he said.
In the North-Central region, Onoja said troops under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, and Whirl Stroke recorded significant gains against criminal networks.
He said troops detained key suspects, including a person described as a gang leader and others identified as informants, and recovered N2.29 million suspected to be ransom payments.
“Troops in Plateau arrested five suspects, while seven kidnapped victims were rescued in Kogi.
“In Taraba, a gunrunner linked to the supply of 23 AK-47 rifles was apprehended, while two terrorists were neutralised during clearance operations,” he added.
Shifting to the South-South, Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested at least nine suspected kidnappers and criminals across Edo and Cross River.
He said troops also dismantled facilities used for unauthorised oil refining and seized about 3,000 litres of crude oil, along with vehicles reportedly used to transport petroleum products.
In the South-East, he further disclosed that troops of Operation Udo Ka arrested four illegal miners, recovered a locally fabricated firearm, and repelled a mob attack without casualties.
The defence spokesman said troops also recovered several arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, G3 rifles, machine guns, and other combat equipment.
He said the Chief of Defence Staff praised troops for their conduct and resilience during the current security challenges.
Onoja reiterated the Armed Forces‘ commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and urged citizens to remain vigilant and to support security agencies with credible intelligence.
