Nigerian troops have rescued 36 abducted persons and killed several terrorists and criminal operatives during coordinated operations across the country, the Defence Headquarters has said.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, giving an account of military activities carried out between August 31 and September 3.
He said the operations were conducted against terrorists, kidnappers, arms traffickers, criminal groups and secessionist elements across the various operational theatres.
In the North-East, Onoja said troops under Operation HADIN KAI continued offensive operations in Borno and Yobe states, disrupting terrorist activities and their supply networks.
He said troops killed two terrorists in separate encounters in Borno and Yobe, with weapons and an improvised explosive device recovered.
According to him, troops also intercepted a terrorist who escaped captivity around Sabsawa in Bama after reportedly fleeing due to hunger and hardship.
The military also arrested a suspect in Konduga for allegedly transporting food supplies to a terrorist enclave in Bama, while another suspected former terrorist fighter turned informant was arrested in Damasak, Mobbar.
Onoja said several terrorists surrendered during the period, while suspected logistics suppliers, informants and spies were apprehended.
He added that 21 women and children surrendered to troops in Mafa, Dikwa, following clashes between rival terrorist factions. Other operations led to the interception of another terrorist escapee and the arrest of a suspected spy.
In the North-West, troops operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded further successes against terrorists and kidnappers in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.
Onoja said two terrorist kingpins were killed and another wounded during a raid on suspected hideouts in Kogo, Matazu, Katsina, on August 31. Two motorcycles were also destroyed.
In Kaduna, troops intercepted a vehicle at Kadage, Giwa, containing 793 rounds of ammunition hidden inside a sack of grain. One suspect attempting to flee was neutralised.
Troops also ambushed terrorists riding motorcycles along the Kwanar Jolof axis of Shinkafi-Zurmi in Zamfara, recovering an RPG launcher, rifle and ammunition, while several terrorists were killed.
The military spokesman said six abducted victims were rescued in Kebbi on September 2, while another 23 civilians—three men and 20 women—were rescued from the outskirts of Wuya in Anka, Zamfara, the following day.
He said the 23 victims had spent about three weeks in captivity and were subsequently evacuated for medical attention.
Two more abducted persons were rescued along the Dandume-Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa, Katsina, with two motorcycles recovered during the operation.
In Sokoto, troops carried out clearance operations in several locations, destroying a terrorist camp and recovering military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle.
Onoja said troops also recovered a locally fabricated rifle near Maikujera in Rabah, which was allegedly abandoned by terrorists following an ambush on August 28.
In the North-Central, troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE engaged two suspected terrorists on a motorcycle along the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala, Benue.
One was killed while the other escaped, with troops recovering a pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and charms.
In Kogi, troops forced kidnappers to abandon two women abducted in Ajodomodo, Dekina. The victims were later found unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest.
Troops also conducted clearance operations in Peva, Takum, Taraba, where five suspected members of a wanted gang were arrested. Ammunition and other items were recovered, although the gang leader escaped.
Onoja said Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD troops also rescued five male kidnap victims from farms along the Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Mariga, Niger State, while a suspected terrorist fighter with gunshot wounds was arrested in Kwara.
In the South-East, troops under Operation UDO KA arrested two suspects in Mbosi, Ihiala, Anambra, for allegedly providing medical treatment to members of a secessionist group.
They also raided the Iva Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North, arresting another suspected member of a secessionist syndicate allegedly involved in attacks on security agencies.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their resilience and gallantry, while also praising the cooperation between the military and other security agencies.
He urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
Oluyede assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain their operations until peace, stability and security were restored across the country.
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