Abuja: The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have successfully rescued 66 kidnapped individuals, neutralised numerous terrorists, and apprehended multiple suspects in nationwide operations conducted from September 11 to 17. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, highlighted these operational achievements in a recent statement.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. Onoja detailed that the troops recovered arms and ammunition, dismantled terrorist logistics and informant networks, and cleared 12 improvised explosive devices across various theatres. One notable operation, conducted by the troops of Operation Savannah Shield, rescued 22 kidnapping victims in Muchiya Village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State. Additionally, five terrorists were neutralised in separate operations across Kwara and Niger States, with firearms, ammunition, and motorcycles recovered.
In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai’s troops rescued 14 abductees around Armuda and Gava in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The rescued individuals included Malam Sadiq, Chief Imam of Ngoshe, and a woman who escaped terrorist captivity after five months, along with two minors. More family members were rescued on the Gwoza-Limankara Road, and a repentant terrorist surrendered at Benisheikh with weapons.
Onoja also reported on the efforts in the North-West, where Operation Fansan Yamma’s troops rescued several victims in Katsina, Kaduna, and Sokoto States. These operations included the rescue of 10 abducted individuals at Unguwan Rimi Village in Sabuwa, Katsina and three kidnap victims at Gidan Gulbi in Igabi, Kaduna. In Sokoto, troops rescued victims following terrorist attacks in Kanan Maharba, Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
In the North-Central region, Operation Whirl Stroke troops arrested suspected informants and logistics suppliers linked to terrorist and kidnapping networks in Benue, Kogi, and Taraba. Meanwhile, Operation Enduring Peace rescued an abducted resident and his wife in Sanga, Kaduna, with a two-year-old child also rescued in a separate incident.
Operations in the South-East saw troops of Operation UDO KA dismantling an illegal bunkering site in Imo and arresting a suspected secessionist IED fabrication expert. In Edo, Operation Delta Safe troops apprehended a suspected kidnapper and recovered weapons.
Maj.-Gen. Onoja emphasized that these operations reflect the AFN’s ongoing commitment to disrupting terrorist and criminal networks while ensuring the safety of citizens. He praised the troops’ bravery and professionalism and encouraged continued collaboration with local stakeholders, urging the public to provide timely information.
The AFN remains steadfast in its mission to achieve lasting peace and security across Nigeria.