Troops Rescue 10 Kidnap Victims, Arrest Terror Suspects, Recover Arms in Nationwide Operations
By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified nationwide operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements, rescuing 10 kidnap victims, arresting several suspects, recovering arms and ammunition, while recording fresh surrenders by insurgents and their family members.
The military said the operations, conducted between June 30 and July 2 across the country’s theatres of operation, also thwarted terrorist attacks, disrupted criminal networks and intercepted logistics supplies meant for terrorist groups.
According to Major General Michael Onoja, Director, Defence Media Operations, troops sustained coordinated offensives across the North East, North West, North Central, South-South and South-East, recording significant operational successes.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at a checkpoint along the Maiduguri-Gamboru Ngala route in Borno State while intercepting a vehicle conveying items suspected to be destined for terrorist enclaves.
The military also repelled an attack on Kurnari community in Biu Local Government Area of the state, forcing the attackers to retreat while recovering a handheld radio, locally fabricated explosives, ammunition and other items.
General Onoja further disclosed that the wife of a terrorist and her five children surrendered to troops in Monguno, while another suspected terrorist voluntarily surrendered in Mobbar Local Government Area after fleeing a camp in the Lake Chad region, citing harsh living conditions.
In Kaduna State, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued a female kidnap victim during an ambush operation in Kajuru Local Government Area. The victim had reportedly been abducted on June 29 around Gora village in Chikun Local Government Area. A mobile phone believed to belong to fleeing terrorists was also recovered for forensic analysis.
In the North-Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, working with other security agencies, recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The military also rescued three kidnap victims, including a soldier abducted along the Akwanga-Gwatu Road in Nasarawa State. The rescued soldier has rejoined his unit, while the civilians were reunited with their families.
Similarly, troops responding to distress calls in Benue and Kogi states rescued six kidnapped travellers after suspected abductors fled under military pressure. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and rescue other victims are ongoing.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested two suspected kidnappers in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State after intelligence suggested they had been conducting reconnaissance around a hotel to monitor troop movements. The suspects have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.
Operations in the South-East also yielded major breakthroughs as troops of Operation Udo Ka intensified the crackdown on suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
During an operation in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, troops engaged suspected IPOB/ESN fighters, neutralising one while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Troops also recovered a locally made pistol abandoned by a fleeing suspected cultist in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State.
In Imo State, troops arrested a suspected armourer and logistics courier believed to have been supplying weapons to criminal groups terrorising oil-producing communities in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. Assault rifles, magazines and a large cache of ammunition were recovered.
Similarly, in Enugu State, troops arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN member and gunrunner during a raid in Enugu North Local Government Area, recovering ammunition of different calibres, pump-action guns, a pistol, vehicle number plates and materials suspected to be used for fabricating improvised explosive devices.
Commending troops for their gallantry and professionalism, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to sustaining offensive operations until terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities are decisively defeated.
According to Major General Onoja, General Oluyede said the recent operational successes demonstrate the effectiveness of the military’s multi-theatre strategy in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
He also urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, while commending other security agencies and local vigilante groups for their collaboration with the military in ongoing operations.
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