The Defence Headquarters says troops have rescued 36 abducted persons and killed several terrorists in fresh operations across the country.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, detailing military operations conducted between August 31 and September 3.
He said the operations targeted terrorists, kidnappers, arms traffickers, criminal networks and secessionist elements across various theatres.
In the North-East, Onoja said troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained counter-terrorism operations in Borno and Yobe, killing terrorists and disrupting their logistics networks.
He said troops killed a terrorist on September 1 after an Improvised Explosive Device detonated along the Miyanti-Banki Junction main supply route in Bama, Borno. A rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator were recovered.
“Another terrorist was killed during an encounter at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba, Yobe, with a rifle and ammunition recovered,” he said.
Onoja said troops also intercepted a suspected terrorist escapee around Sabsawa, Bama, on August 31 after he reportedly fled captivity due to hunger and hardship.
He added that troops arrested a suspect in Konduga for allegedly transporting foodstuffs to a terrorist enclave in Bama.
According to him, troops also arrested a suspected former terrorist fighter who had turned informant in Damasak, Mobbar, on September 1.
Several terrorist fighters surrendered between September 1 and 2, while suspected logistics suppliers, informants and spies were also arrested, he said.
Onoja said 21 women and children surrendered to troops in Mafa, Dikwa, on September 2 following clashes between rival terrorist factions.
He added that another terrorist escapee was intercepted near Amuda Bridge, Gwoza, while a suspected terrorist spy was arrested along the Kauwa-Kukawa Road.
In the North-West, Onoja said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensive operations against terrorists and kidnappers across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
He said troops neutralised two terrorist kingpins and wounded another during a raid on suspected hideouts in Kogo, Matazu, Katsina, on August 31. Two motorcycles were also destroyed.
On September 2, troops intercepted a vehicle in Kadage, Giwa, Kaduna, containing 793 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack of grain. One fleeing suspect was also neutralised during the operation, he said.
Onoja said troops subsequently ambushed terrorists riding motorcycles at Kwanar Jolof along the Shinkafi-Zurmi axis in Zamfara, recovering an RPG launcher, rifle, ammunition and other items, while several terrorists were killed.
He said troops rescued six abducted victims transiting from Ayu Market in Mehinua, Wasagu, Kebbi, on September 2.
Another 23 abducted civilians, comprising three men and 20 women, were rescued from the outskirts of Wuya, Anka, Zamfara, on September 3, he said.
According to Onoja, the victims had been held for about three weeks before their rescue and were evacuated for medical attention.
He added that troops rescued two other abducted victims along the Dandume-Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa, Katsina, recovering two motorcycles.
Onoja said troops also conducted offensive operations in Tsamiya, Gandaba Gabas, Karradai, Zamoria, Tumunna and Bilange Forest in Tangaza, Sokoto, destroying a terrorist camp and recovering military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle.
Troops also recovered a locally fabricated rifle near Maikujera in Rabah, Sokoto, which was believed to have been concealed by terrorists after an August 28 ambush, he said.
In the North-Central, Onoja said troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE engaged two suspected terrorists riding a motorcycle along the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala, Benue, on September 2.
One terrorist was killed while the other escaped. Troops recovered a pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and charms, he said.
He added that troops also forced kidnappers to abandon two women abducted in Ajodomodo, Dekina, Kogi, leaving the victims unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest.
Onoja said troops conducted clearance operations in Peva, Takum, Taraba, on September 3, targeting the hideout of a wanted gang leader.
“Five gang members were arrested and ammunition and other items recovered, while the gang leader remained at large,” he said.
He said troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected kidnapping informant in Sabon Gida, Sanga, Kaduna, on September 3.
In Niger State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued five male kidnap victims from farms along the Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Mariga, he added.
Troops also apprehended a suspected terrorist fighter with gunshot wounds in Gaa Ali Awere, Ifelodun, Kwara, according to Onoja.
In the South-East, he said troops of Operation UDO KA arrested two suspects in Mbosi, Ihiala, Anambra, on September 1, for allegedly providing medical treatment to secessionist elements.
Troops also raided the Iva Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North on September 2, arresting a suspected member of a secessionist syndicate allegedly involved in attacks on security agencies.
Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops across the various theatres for their gallantry and resilience.
He said the CDS also praised the cooperation between the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders.
Oluyede urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible information to security agencies, Onoja said.
The CDS reassured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain operations until peace, stability and security are restored across the country.
