Troops Rescue Over 40 Abductees, Arrest 20 Suspects Nationwide

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded significant successes in ongoing nationwide security operations, rescuing more than 40 kidnapped victims and arresting over 20 suspected terrorists, criminal collaborators and other offenders between July 10 and July 16.

According to Ireporter Online, the coordinated military offensives also resulted in the elimination of several terrorists and the disruption of criminal networks operating across various parts of the country.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja. He explained that the achievements were made possible through coordinated efforts by troops of Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, Delta Safe and Udo Ka, working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified offensives against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters. The military confirmed that 10 relatives of terrorists surrendered, while six suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators were arrested. Security forces also rescued 13 abducted victims, thwarted attempts by insurgents to infiltrate Maiduguri, neutralised terrorists during ambush operations and apprehended a suspected foreign spy in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.

Similarly, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, neutralised three terrorists during separate operations in Zamfara and Kebbi states, rescued 14 kidnapped victims and recovered vehicles alongside other valuables abandoned by fleeing criminals. The troops also successfully repelled attacks on several communities within the region.

In Niger and Kwara states, Operation Savannah Shield personnel rescued four kidnapped victims, while forest guards neutralised a suspected terrorist in Kwara and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a locally fabricated firearm. Troops of Operation Enduring Peace also intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, arrested wanted criminal suspects in Plateau State and rescued four additional kidnap victims after foiling attacks along major highways.

Within the North-Central region, Operation Whirl Stroke troops arrested an alleged ammunition courier transporting 60 rounds of ammunition in Nasarawa State and apprehended four suspected terrorist collaborators in Kogi State. The military also rescued a school principal, a National Examinations Council official and two students who were abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area after sustained military pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives.

In the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft, uncovering and destroying illegal refining sites in Rivers State containing stolen crude oil and equipment used for illicit petroleum refining. Troops also neutralised two suspected kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles with ammunition and rescued three abducted victims.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Udo Ka in the South-East arrested suspected members of a proscribed separatist group, recovered weapons and ammunition, and rescued two abducted persons along the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and commitment across the various theatres of operation. He also praised the strong intelligence-sharing and collaboration among security agencies, which contributed to the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity, noting that the operation was completed without making any concessions to the abductors.

The defence leadership urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, assuring citizens that ongoing military operations would be sustained until lasting peace, security and stability are restored across the country.