Abuja: The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have successfully rescued 363 victims and arrested numerous terrorists, informants, logistics suppliers, and other criminal suspects in a series of operations conducted nationwide over the past week. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, provided this update on Friday while briefing the media in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the military’s operations not only resulted in the rescue and arrests but also led to the neutralization of terrorists, recovery of arms and ammunition, disruption of logistics networks, and dismantling of illegal oil refining facilities. In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued 35 victims, including women and children, and arrested suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers during clearance operations.
On July 31, troops thwarted an attempted abduction along the Buratai-Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno, rescuing 31 individuals. Among them were 22 adult males, five adult females, and four children, saved after a pursuit of fleeing terrorists towards Mangari-Dora. On August 1, troops rescued two women and two children discovered at a terrorist enclave near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza Local Government Area. The victims had been held captive since the 2023 farming season before their liberation and handover to community leaders.
Between August 2 and August 4, several family members of suspected terrorists surrendered in Gwoza, Konduga, and Bama Local Government Areas. Additionally, 20 other suspected terrorists surrendered to troops at Kwuari in Konduga. Troops also captured suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and seized foodstuffs intended for terrorists.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops apprehended 21 individuals attempting to enter Birnin Kebbi, of whom five were identified as terrorists and handed over to the Department of State Services. Four other suspects were arrested at Darusa Village Market in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto, with six rustled cattle, mobile phones, and N165,000 recovered.
In the North Central region, Operation WHIRL STROKE troops rescued nine kidnapped victims and arrested suspected criminals, including a gun runner. Seven victims abducted along the Wukari-Zaki-Biam Road were rescued in Ukum, Benue, while two others were freed during another incident in Oke Ere, Yagba West, Kogi.
The largest single rescue operation occurred in the Kainji Lake National Park, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger, where Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD troops freed 308 abducted persons. The victims included 163 indigenes of Woro in Kwara State and 145 from Niger State, predominantly women and children. Troops also apprehended a suspected terrorist informant in Nuku community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara.
In the South South, Operation DELTA SAFE troops rescued 11 kidnapped victims along the Lagos-Benin Road in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo. The troops also continued efforts to combat crude oil theft, dismantling illegal refining sites and recovering significant amounts of suspected stolen crude oil and refined products.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA troops arrested several suspects linked to an ambush on soldiers and recovered weapons and ammunition from camps in Rivers, Delta, and Imo. The operation also led to the arrest of five suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra following an attack on Fulani herders in Enugu.
The defence spokesman emphasized that these operations demonstrate the Armed Forces’ ongoing commitment to rescuing victims, disrupting criminal networks, and denying terrorists freedom of action. The military plans to maintain collaboration with other security agencies, local security groups, and communities to enhance intelligence gathering and improve nationwide security.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their discipline and dedication and urged Nigerians to continue providing valuable information to security agencies. He assured that the Armed Forces would maintain the current operational tempo until peace and stability are fully restored across the country.