Nigerian troops, working alongside other security agencies, rescued 42 kidnapped victims, neutralised eight terrorists, and arrested 28 suspected terrorists and collaborators during coordinated military rescue operations carried out across the country over the past week. The update was provided by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who also disclosed that troops dismantled two illegal crude oil refining sites in the Niger Delta during the operations.
According to Onoja, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded several successes in Borno State between July 10 and July 15, including the arrest of multiple suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators in Jere, Monguno, Biu, Damboa and Gubio Local Government Areas. Troops also received the surrender of 10 family members of terrorists in Gwoza and Pulka, while a suspected foreign spy identified as Abubakar Mohammed Zen, who claimed to be from the Republic of Niger, was arrested in Abadam LGA.
The operations also led to the rescue of several kidnap victims, including Usman Hassan, abducted in Bauchi State, Aisha Mohammed, two civilians rescued near Armuda Bridge, and nine women and children who were treated by military medical personnel before being reunited with community leaders.
Under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops arrested terrorist collaborators in Zamfara State, neutralised three terrorists during separate engagements in Kebbi and Zamfara, and rescued 14 abducted victims from different locations. Security forces also recovered vehicles and disrupted terrorist activities targeting commuters in the region.
Troops of Operation Savanna Shield, Operation Enduring Peace, and Operation Whirl Stroke recorded additional breakthroughs across Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi and Benue states.
Among the operations: two kidnapped victims were rescued in Niger State, forest Guards in Kwara State rescued two children and neutralised one terrorist, recovering an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a Dane gun, troops intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, recovering three locally fabricated rifles and four submachine guns, a wanted suspect linked to killings in Plateau was arrested, 60 rounds of ammunition were recovered from a suspected courier in Nasarawa State, four suspected terrorist collaborators were arrested in Kogi State.
Security forces also rescued 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 after sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives.
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered and dismantled two illegal crude oil refining sites in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, recovering stolen crude oil and refining equipment. Following a kidnapping incident involving Ambrose Alli University in Edo State, troops conducted a rescue mission that neutralised two kidnappers, recovered three rifles and ammunition, and freed three abducted victims.
Troops of Operation Udoka recovered an assault rifle and ammunition after raiding criminal hideouts in Rivers State. In Abia State, security personnel arrested two suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group, recovered a pump-action gun and cartridges, and rescued two abducted victims after intercepting kidnappers attempting to divert a truck along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway.
Major General Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, praised troops for their professionalism and commitment across all theatres of operation. He also commended the joint intelligence-led mission that secured the safe rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity, noting that the operation was completed without making concessions to the abductors.
The Defence Headquarters extended condolences to families affected by the incident and urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence. According to the military, ongoing military rescue operations will continue nationwide until peace, security and stability are fully restored.
