Nigerian troops rescued more than 70 abducted people, arrested suspected terrorists and kidnappers, and recovered N10 million believed to be ransom during military operations conducted between October 15 and 22.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed the results in a statement on Saturday, detailing operations across several states and military commands.
In one operation, troops rescued 27 villagers abducted in Gamji community, Katsina State, while another operation in Niger State led to the rescue of 29 residents who had fled into nearby bushes during a terrorist attack in Mariga Local Government Area.
In Kogi State, troops rescued 11 passengers after suspected attackers targeted a commercial bus along the Ayere-Kabba road. Five other kidnap victims were later found abandoned along the Okoloke-Isanlu-Esa route in Yagba West Local Government Area.
Onoja said troops also tracked kidnappers to Falgore Forest in Kano State, where two suspects were neutralised and a victim abducted from Fanyabo village, Tudun Wada Local Government Area, was rescued. The operation led to the recovery of N10 million suspected to have been paid as ransom. The money and victim were handed over to the family.
Security operations also yielded arrests in Mokwa, Niger State, where troops apprehended a wanted suspected terrorist leader and an accomplice at the leader’s residence, recovering four mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash.
In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai continued its offensive against terrorist groups in Borno and Yobe states. Troops arrested suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators, including individuals allegedly involved in providing materials for terrorist uniforms.
Nineteen terrorist fighters and family members surrendered to, or were intercepted by, troops in Bama, Konduga, Mafa and Gwoza local government areas of Borno during the period. Onoja said some cited hunger, hardship and clashes between rival factions as reasons for leaving the camps.
Troops also rescued an abductee who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains and recovered weapons following clearance operations at Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area. The recovered items included eight AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 300 rounds of PKT ammunition, two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and chargers, a handheld radio and a motorcycle.
Across the North-Central, operations resulted in the rescue of a kidnapped herder in Nasarawa State and two people abducted while travelling to Jos in Plateau State. Troops also arrested a wanted gunrunner and militia leader in Jape village, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, and raided a militia leader’s residence in Abako, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, destroying a hideout.
In Taraba State, a suspected arms dealer was arrested in Jalingo over an alleged attempt to sell 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspect reportedly disclosed the location of three AK-47 rifles. Troops also arrested a suspected kidnapper and other alleged members of a kidnapping syndicate said to operate with six AK-47 rifles.
In Plateau, three suspects were arrested during a raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Riyom Local Government Area, with one identified as an alleged logistics supplier.
In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka personnel arrested five suspects over the kidnapping of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State. The operation around Irete and Orogwe in Owerri West Local Government Area led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, an English pistol and 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Troops responding to a suspected secessionist attack in Anambra State pursued the fleeing suspects, who abandoned a bus before escaping in another vehicle. Soldiers recovered the bus, a pump-action gun and five cartridges.
In Edo State, Operation Delta Safe troops conducted an offensive in Amendokhian Forest, Esan North-East Local Government Area, neutralising one suspected kidnapper and recovering a pump-action rifle and six live cartridges.
Operation Fansan Yamma personnel also engaged terrorists in Sokoto and Katsina states, recovering AK-47 rifles, motorcycles, ammunition and other equipment.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede commended the troops and acknowledged the support of other security agencies. He urged personnel to maintain discipline, respect human rights and adhere to rules of engagement.
Oluyede also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and young people to report security threats, reject mob action and avoid offering criminals safe haven. He urged media organisations to verify reports, particularly those involving sensitive communal issues.
Onoja said the Armed Forces would continue operations until peace and security were restored across the country.
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