The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have killed scores of terrorists, arrested over 40 suspects, and rescued at least nine kidnap victims in nationwide operations between May 15 and May 21.

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.

Mr Onoja said troops sustained operational momentum during the period, dismantling insurgent camps, intercepting logistics supply chains, and recovering weapons and illicit materials.

In the North-East, he said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed two terrorists in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State and apprehended four suspected collaborators involved in cattle rustling.

Mr 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 fleeing sustained military pressure.

“In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised at least four terrorists and arrested a major gunrunner supplying weapons to notorious bandit leaders.

“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 repelled attacks on communities and destroyed terrorist camps, forcing insurgents to flee their strongholds,” he said.

In the North-Central, Mr Onoja said troops under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, and Whirl Stroke recorded significant gains against criminal networks.

He said troops arrested key suspects, including a gang leader and informants, and recovered N2.29 million suspected to be ransom proceeds.

“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.

In the South-South, Mr Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested at least nine suspected kidnappers and criminals across Edo and Cross River states.

He said troops also dismantled illegal oil refining sites and seized about 3,000 litres of stolen crude oil, alongside vehicles used for transporting illicit petroleum products.

He added that troops of Operation Udo Ka in the South-East 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 commended troops for their professionalism, bravery, and resilience in the face of evolving security challenges.

MrOnoja reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and urged citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible intelligence. 

(NAN)