Troops Rescue Over 40 Kidnap Victims, Arrest 20 Terror Suspects Nationwide — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria rescued more than 40 kidnapped victims and arrested over 20 suspected terrorists, collaborators and other criminal elements during coordinated military operations conducted across the country between July 10 and July 16.

The operations, carried out by troops deployed in various theatres of operation, also led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, the recovery of arms and ammunition, and the destruction of criminal infrastructure, further intensifying the military’s campaign against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

According to him, the successes were recorded by troops of Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, Delta Safe and UDO KA, working in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

In the North-East, Onoja said troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained offensive operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, resulting in the surrender of 10 family members of insurgents, the arrest of six suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators, and the rescue of 13 abducted persons.

He added that troops thwarted infiltration attempts around Maiduguri, eliminated terrorists during ambush operations and arrested a suspected foreign spy in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.

In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, neutralised three terrorists and rescued 14 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Zamfara and Kebbi states.

The operations also led to the recovery of vehicles and other items abandoned by fleeing terrorists while security forces successfully repelled attacks on several communities.

Onoja further disclosed that troops under Operation Savannah Shield rescued four kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states, while forest guards neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a dane gun during an operation in Kwara State.

Similarly, troops of Operation Enduring Peace intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, arrested wanted criminal suspects in Plateau State and rescued four kidnapped victims after foiling attacks along major highways.

Under Operation Whirl Stroke, the military arrested an ammunition courier transporting 60 rounds of ammunition in Nasarawa State and apprehended four suspected terrorist collaborators in Kogi State.

The Defence spokesman added that sustained military pressure forced kidnappers to abandon a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, leading to their successful rescue.

In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified the crackdown on crude oil theft by uncovering and destroying illegal refining sites in Rivers State containing stolen crude oil and refining equipment.

Troops also neutralised two suspected kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles with ammunition and rescued three abducted persons.

In the South-East, Onoja said troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group, recovered weapons and ammunition, and rescued two abductees along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway.

Commending the troops for their professionalism, courage and commitment, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, praised personnel across the various theatres of operation for sustaining pressure on criminal elements nationwide.

The CDS also lauded the intelligence-driven collaboration among security agencies that culminated in the unconditional rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity, without any concession being made to their abductors.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, assuring that ongoing operations would be sustained until lasting peace, security and stability are restored across the country.