The Nigerian military says it scored fresh wins in its nationwide fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes — neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting dozens of suspects and rescuing several kidnapped victims in one week.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed on Friday that troops carried out coordinated land and air operations across multiple theatres between May 28 and June 4, hitting criminal networks hard.
Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said the offensive targeted terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners, economic saboteurs and other threats to national security.
Highlights by region:
– North-East (Operation Hadin Kai): One suspected kidnapper and 10 terrorist collaborators and informants arrested; five people rescued after escaping terrorist enclaves; one terrorist neutralised and ammunition, communication devices and other items recovered.
– North-West (Operation Fansan Yamma): Three terrorists eliminated; a notorious terrorist kingpin and other suspects arrested; an AK-47, ammunition recovered and several camps dismantled.
– Niger State (Operation Savannah Shield): Troops repelled an ambush, neutralising scores of terrorists; 15 motorcycles and hundreds of rounds of ammunition recovered; a wanted terrorist informant linked to attacks in Borgu LGA arrested.
– Kaduna State (Operation Enduring Peace): Five kidnapped passengers rescued; two injured victims evacuated for urgent treatment.
– Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba (Operation Whirl Stroke): One terrorist neutralised; 10 suspects arrested; two kidnap victims rescued; an AK-47, magazines, explosives, motorcycles and vehicles recovered.
– South-South (Operation Delta Safe): Seven suspected kidnappers arrested; planned abductions foiled; suspects linked to the murder of a farmer apprehended.
– South-East (Operation Udo Ka): Five suspected IPOB/ESN members arrested; village chiefs held hostage in Ebonyi State rescued.
Maj.-Gen. Onoja said these operations have degraded criminal groups and improved security. He vowed the Armed Forces will keep the pressure on until captives are freed and criminals face justice, and urged the public to keep providing credible intelligence. He added that Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede commended the troops for their courage and professionalism.
