Major Victory: Nigerian Forces K!ll 102 Terrorists, Free 397 Captives

According to Ireporter Online, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed the development while presenting the military’s operational report for the month. He stated that troops also recovered 59 weapons and 1,811 rounds of ammunition during various operations, while 57 insurgents and their family members surrendered to security authorities.

Onoja described the surrender of a senior financial operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as one of the major achievements recorded during the month, saying it reflected the impact of sustained military pressure on terrorist networks.

Providing details of operations in the North-East, the defence spokesman said troops under Operation Hadin Kai carried out coordinated ground and air offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP and other insurgent groups across Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states.

He explained that the operations resulted in the elimination of 54 terrorists, the arrest of 102 suspects, the rescue of 102 kidnapped victims and the surrender of dozens of insurgents and their relatives.

Onoja revealed that a top ISWAP finance officer surrendered to troops on July 25 along the Ladari-Jegarawa-Tunokalia axis of the Gamboru-Wulgo Main Supply Route. The suspect, identified as the chief finance officer of an ISWAP enclave in Jubillaram, reportedly surrendered with two children and handed over an AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle and an undisclosed amount of money.

The military spokesman said the development demonstrated the effectiveness of ongoing operations aimed at weakening the strength, resources and morale of terrorist organisations.

He added that three other suspected terrorists surrendered to troops in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State after fleeing their camps following sustained air operations. According to him, the suspects admitted receiving training as gunboat operators and anti-aircraft personnel for activities around the Lake Chad region.

The military also announced the arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State over alleged involvement in supporting insurgent activities.

In Taraba State, troops rescued three kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol in Bomanda village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area. The victims, who had reportedly spent about 10 days in captivity, were rescued and taken for medical attention before being reunited with their families.

Summarising the nationwide operations, Maj. Gen. Onoja said the July achievements reflected the commitment of the Armed Forces to creating a safer environment for Nigerians and supporting economic development.

He assured that troops would continue sustained operations against terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal elements threatening national security.

Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade under the 2 Division have rescued 14 kidnapped victims in Edo State during a separate operation along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

According to the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Kennedy Anyanwu, the operation followed credible intelligence received during a routine patrol in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.

He said troops immediately pursued the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon 11 victims and escape into nearby forests. A follow-up clearance operation the following day led to the rescue of the remaining three victims, bringing the total number of rescued persons to 14.

The Army said the successful operations further demonstrate the determination of security forces to intensify efforts against kidnapping and other criminal activities across the country.