Abuja: The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that the Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralised over 102 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 345 suspects, and rescued 393 kidnapped victims during military operations across the country in July. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed these figures during a monthly briefing in Abuja, highlighting the comprehensive and coordinated efforts of the military.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. Onoja reported that the military operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups, leading to the surrender of 57 insurgents and their families. These operations, which spanned the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East regions, resulted in the recovery of 59 weapons and 1,811 rounds of ammunition, effectively degrading the operational capabilities of various criminal entities.
In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai marked significant achievements against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, including the neutralisation of a senior terrorist commander, Abu Salim al-Barnawi, in Borno’s Kukawa Local Government Area. The efforts also included dismantling terrorist logistics, arresting suspected collaborators, and facilitating fresh insurgent surrenders due to sustained military pressure.
In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma led to the rescue of 191 kidnapped individuals, neutralisation of 33 terrorists, and arrest of 66 suspects across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara states. The operations also thwarted several kidnapping attempts, recovered arms, and secured the release of abductees from various terrorist camps.
Onoja noted that Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, and Whirl Stroke in the North-Central maintained pressure on kidnappers and militia groups, resulting in multiple arrests, rescues, and recoveries of weapons and ammunition. In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe dismantled illegal refining sites, recovered significant volumes of stolen petroleum, and arrested suspects involved in kidnapping and economic sabotage.
Additionally, in the South-East, Operation Udo Ka targeted criminal elements and secessionist agitators, resulting in the arrest of 26 suspects, rescue of 10 civilians, and recovery of assorted weapons. The Air Component of the Armed Forces also played a crucial role, executing precision airstrikes that disrupted terrorist plans and supported ground rescue operations in Niger State.
The defence spokesman highlighted the expansion of civil-military cooperation through peace-building initiatives and community development projects. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, praised the professionalism and successes of the troops, emphasizing the importance of synergy among the Armed Forces, security agencies, and local vigilantes, particularly in the rescue of 44 abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
Onoja reaffirmed the military’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property, encouraging Nigerians to provide credible information to security agencies via the toll-free emergency line 193.