Troops Neutralise 70 Terrorists, Rescue Over 90 Kidnap Victims

The Nigerian military has recorded major successes in its ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North East, North West, and North Central regions, neutralising more than 70 terrorists and rescuing over 90 kidnapped victims within the past week.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Markus Kangye, disclosed this in Abuja yesterday, noting that several arrests and significant recoveries were also made during the operations.

In Borno State, troops of Operation Hadin Kai apprehended 11 suspected terrorist collaborators and informants. They also recovered arms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, petroleum products, illicit drugs, and cash totalling ₦70,050. Several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were safely detonated in Abadam, Gwoza, and Mobbar local government areas.

According to Kangye, a fighter belonging to the Abu Ayuba terror syndicate voluntarily surrendered in Kaga Local Government Area on August 20, handing over his weapon and ammunition and pledging to support peace efforts.

In the North West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma intensified offensives, killing several terrorists, arresting 28 others, and rescuing 76 kidnap victims during an airstrike at Pauwa Hill, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. Between August 21 and 25, four suspected terrorists were also arrested in Niger and Katsina States, with arms, ammunition, a motorcycle, and ₦321,000 recovered.

Similarly, in the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven killed some terrorists, arrested 19 suspects, and freed seven kidnap victims across Plateau and Kaduna States. Weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and motorcycles were also seized. A notorious armed robber, Abdullahi Abubakar, and nine accomplices were arrested in Plateau and Kaduna States, while five gunrunners and two wanted criminals were captured with cash and assorted weapons.

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke also recorded gains, neutralising several extremists and kidnappers, arresting 13 suspects, rescuing 29 victims, and recovering arms, ammunition, motorcycles, mobile phones, and vehicles.

Major-General Kangye praised the troops’ resilience and assured Nigerians of the military’s determination to sustain operations until terrorism, banditry, and other security threats are eradicated.