The Nigerian military has recorded fresh successes in its ongoing nationwide offensive against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting dozens of suspects and rescuing several kidnapped victims within a single week.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced the development on Friday, stating that troops operating across multiple theatres sustained coordinated land and air operations between 28 May and 4 June, dealing significant blows to criminal networks nationwide.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the offensive targeted terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements threatening national security.
North-East: Troops of Operation Hadin Kai arrested a suspected kidnapper and ten terrorist collaborators and informants, while also rescuing five persons who escaped from terrorist enclaves. One terrorist was neutralised, and ammunition, communication devices and other operational items were recovered.
North-West: Under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops eliminated three terrorists, apprehended a notorious terrorist kingpin and arrested additional suspects linked to terrorist activities. An AK-47 rifle, ammunition and several terrorist camps were also recovered.
A major breakthrough came under Operation Savannah Shield, where troops repelled an ambush in Niger State, neutralising scores of terrorists. Security operatives recovered 15 motorcycles and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, while a wanted terrorist informant linked to previous attacks in Borgu Local Government Area was arrested.
In Kaduna State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued five kidnapped passengers and evacuated two injured victims for urgent medical treatment.
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, operating across Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states, neutralised one terrorist, arrested ten suspects and rescued two kidnap victims. Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, magazines, explosives, motorcycles and vehicles.
South-South: Troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested seven suspected kidnappers and foiled planned abductions. Suspects linked to the murder of a farmer during a failed kidnap operation were also apprehended.
South-East: Troops of Operation Udo Ka arrested five suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), while also rescuing village chiefs who had been held hostage in Ebonyi State.
Maj.-Gen. Onoja said the operations had significantly degraded the operational capabilities of criminal groups and improved security across affected communities. He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain the momentum until those held captive are rescued and criminal elements brought to justice.
The defence spokesman urged the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, noting that timely information remains critical to the success of military operations nationwide.
He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, had commended troops for their courage, professionalism and commitment in the fight against insecurity across the country.