Abuja: The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops have successfully rescued at least 318 kidnap victims and eliminated numerous terrorists across various theatres of operation in November.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, shared these updates during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja. Onoja highlighted that the military conducted a series of clearance operations, intelligence-driven raids, and targeted air and maritime strikes in the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-East, and South-South regions. These operations led to the neutralization of a significant number of terrorists and bandits, and 69 criminal elements along with their family members voluntarily surrendered.
The operations not only rescued kidnap victims but also thwarted oil theft valued at over N217.6 million, recovering 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO. Additionally, 16 illegal refining sites were deactivated. In the North-East, under Operation HADIN KAI, troops eliminated several terrorists, arrested six collaborators, and rescued five kidnap victims in Borno and Adamawa States, with air support missions further disrupting terrorist camps.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA resulted in the neutralization of multiple terrorists, 13 arrests, and the rescue of nine victims across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, and Kebbi States, with air interdictions targeting enemy logistics and hideouts. Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE in North-Central regions led to the apprehension of 32 suspects, the neutralization of several extremists, and the rescue of 20 kidnap victims, along with the recovery of arms and vehicles in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi States, and the FCT.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE effectively prevented oil theft worth N12.12 million, dismantled four illegal refining sites, and arrested 25 oil thieves. Meanwhile, in the South-East, troops of Operation UDOKA neutralized several terrorists, made four arrests, rescued four kidnap victims, and dismantled terrorist camps and logistics facilities.
Maj.-Gen. Onoja praised the troops for their professionalism and urged Nigerians to continue providing credible information to aid military operations. He also appealed for public support for veterans through the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem, which was launched on Tuesday.