The Nigerian military has arrested more than 20 suspected terrorists, criminal collaborators and other suspects, while rescuing over 40 kidnapped victims during coordinated security operations conducted across the country between July 10 and 16.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, saying troops also neutralised several terrorists, disrupted criminal networks and recovered weapons, ammunition and other items during the operations.
According to Onoja, the nationwide operations were carried out by troops of Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, Delta Safe and UDO KA in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai received the surrender of 10 family members of terrorists, arrested six suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators, rescued 13 kidnapped victims and foiled attempted attacks around Maiduguri. Troops also arrested a suspected foreign spy in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.
In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma troops arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, killed three terrorists and rescued 14 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Zamfara and Kebbi states. The troops also recovered vehicles and other items abandoned by fleeing suspects.
Operation Savannah Shield rescued four kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states, while forest guards in Kwara killed a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a dane gun.
Under Operation Enduring Peace, troops arrested suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, apprehended wanted criminal suspects in Plateau State and rescued four kidnapped victims after thwarting attacks along major highways.
In Nasarawa State, Operation Whirl Stroke troops arrested a suspected ammunition courier transporting 60 rounds of ammunition, while four suspected terrorist collaborators were apprehended in Kogi State.
The military also rescued a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State after sustained security pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon them.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe troops destroyed illegal oil refining sites in Rivers State, killed two suspected kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles with ammunition and rescued three abductees.
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 kidnapped victims along the Aba–Port Harcourt Highway.
Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their professionalism and also praised security agencies for the intelligence-led operation that secured the unconditional release of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, assuring that military operations would continue until lasting peace and security are restored across the country.
