Military Rescues Victims, Neutralises Terrorists Across Nigeria

This was disclosed on Thursday by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during the Defence Headquarters' weekly briefing on ongoing military operations.

According to the Defence Headquarters, troops operating under various theatres of operation sustained offensive actions that dismantled terrorist camps, disrupted logistics networks, intercepted criminal supply chains and denied insurgents safe havens across the country.

In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued six abducted farmers during a search-and-rescue mission in Kaultakairi, Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State on July 4. The victims, who were kidnapped in Mussa, Askira Uba LGA, were evacuated to Chibok General Hospital for treatment and provided with relief materials.

The troops also destroyed ISWAP and JAS logistics bases in Wulgo, Hausari, Danbaure and Jegarawaji communities in Ngala LGA, while arresting a suspected terrorist informant accused of identifying wealthy residents for kidnapping operations in Monguno.

The military further intercepted two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Gubio, recovered a vehicle loaded with construction materials, solar panels and ₦47,650, rescued two abductees in Askira Uba and recovered ₦1.2 million believed to be ransom proceeds alongside food items. Another suspected logistics supplier was arrested in Damaturu with motorcycle tyres allegedly destined for terrorist enclaves in Yobe State.

In Adamawa State, troops apprehended a wanted criminal, Umar Sani, and recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of ammunition from his residence.

Operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA also yielded significant gains across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

Troops engaged terrorists during fighting patrols, recovered motorcycles, AK-47 rifles, ammunition and rustled livestock, including 14 cows and 18 rams, which were handed over to appropriate authorities.

Security forces also arrested suspected logistics suppliers and informants involved in smuggling materials allegedly intended for the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), while an offensive in Zamfara neutralised one terrorist and led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and two rocket-propelled grenade rockets.

In the North-Central region, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD disrupted terrorist logistics in Niger and Kwara states by recovering motorcycles, fuel supplies and arresting suspected arms suppliers and financiers linked to criminal networks.

Similarly, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in Plateau State, while investigations continued into suspects linked to an attempted infiltration of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded major successes across Benue, Kogi and Taraba states, including the neutralisation of a wanted terrorist kingpin identified as Puuga in Benue State.

Troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle, arrested suspected militia members and terrorists, recovered 249 rustled cattle from a terrorist camp in Kogi State and rescued several kidnapping victims.

Among those rescued were 72-year-old Mrs. Lydia Odegba, mother-in-law of the Katsina-Ala Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Kuburat Mustapha, a pregnant woman identified as Mrs. Hauwa Adamu, and two other victims who escaped captivity along the Kogi-Kwara border.

In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE rescued 37 traders and crew members following a pirate attack along the Oron-Ibaka waterways in Akwa Ibom State.

Troops, working with the Department of State Services (DSS), also arrested notorious kidnap kingpin Saidu Mohammed and another gang member in Edo State.

The operation further dismantled several illegal refining sites in Rivers State, recovering over 205,680 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, while destroying refining ovens, reservoirs, storage pits and siphoning equipment used by oil thieves.

In the South-East, Operation UDO KA sustained pressure on criminal elements through coordinated raids in Imo, Enugu and Abia states.

Troops recovered firearms, military-style uniforms and equipment allegedly used to impersonate security personnel, arrested a suspect in Enugu, and destroyed an illegal bunkering site in Abia containing 70 illegal pits, 260 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and other equipment.

The Air Component of the Armed Forces also played a critical role during the operations.

According to the Defence Headquarters, air operations on July 6 enabled the escape of nine kidnapped victims in Niger State, while an armed reconnaissance mission on July 9 neutralised terrorists transporting more than 100 rustled cattle after tracking them to Riyawa Forest.

Commending the troops, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, praised their gallantry, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's territorial integrity.

He also paid tribute to officers and soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces by providing credible and timely intelligence to enhance ongoing military operations.