Nigerian troops rescued 36 abducted persons and killed several terrorists, including two suspected kingpins, during security operations across the country between August 31 and September 3, the Defence Headquarters has said.
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The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed the figures in a statement on Saturday, saying the operations targeted terrorists, kidnappers, arms traffickers, criminal networks and secessionist elements across several parts of Nigeria.
In the North-East, troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI continued counter-terrorism operations in Borno and Yobe. The military said several terrorists were killed, while weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive device components were recovered during different operations.
Troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA also recorded major successes in the North-West. According to the DHQ, two suspected terrorist kingpins were neutralised during a raid on hideouts in Kogo, Matazu, Katsina State. Security forces also recovered weapons and destroyed two motorcycles during the operation.
The military further reported several successful rescue operations. Six abducted victims were rescued in Kebbi State, while 23 civilians, including three men and 20 women, were rescued from the outskirts of Wuya in Anka, Zamfara State. Two other abducted victims were rescued along the Dandume-Birnin Gwari Road in Katsina State.
In Niger State, troops rescued five male kidnapping victims from farms along the Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Mariga. In Kogi State, troops also forced kidnappers to abandon two women who had been abducted, allowing the victims to escape unharmed.
The military said it also disrupted terrorist and criminal logistics networks during the operations. In Kaduna, troops intercepted a vehicle carrying 793 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack of grain, while weapons and other items were recovered during operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, Benue and other states.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their efforts and urged security personnel to maintain their operations against terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities. He also called for continued cooperation among the military, police, intelligence agencies, local security groups and communities.
The latest operations reflect the military's continuing efforts to rescue kidnapped victims, disrupt armed groups and weaken criminal networks across the country. The Defence Headquarters said the Armed Forces would sustain operations aimed at restoring peace and security in affected communities