The Defence Headquarters says troops have neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested dozens of criminal suspects, and rescued over 50 kidnapped victims in nationwide operations between April 30 and May 7.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Onoja said troops recorded significant successes in the North-East under Operation HADIN KAI, where several terrorists were neutralised, abducted civilians were rescued, and insurgent attacks were repelled — including a foiled assault on troops in Magumeri, Borno State.
He added that some insurgents surrendered, while logistics suppliers and collaborators were apprehended, indicating sustained pressure on terrorist networks.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA engaged bandits in Katsina and Zamfara states, killing several fighters and recovering arms and motorcycles. Coordinated air and ground operations also helped repel attacks on a military base.
In the North-Central, troops under Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD and ENDURING PEACE rescued kidnapped victims, arrested suspected kidnappers, and intercepted arms couriers. One of the couriers was caught conveying 250 rounds of ammunition concealed in a vehicle in the FCT.
A major breakthrough was the dismantling of an illegal arms manufacturing syndicate in Jos South, Plateau State, where several suspects were arrested and fabricated rifles recovered.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE also rescued kidnapped victims in Kogi and Benue states, including schoolchildren abducted from an orphanage, and intercepted ammunition couriers transporting hundreds of rounds.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE rescued victims and arrested suspected kidnappers in Edo State.
“In the South-East, Operation UDO KA arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN gunrunner,” Onoja said.
He noted that the successes demonstrated the renewed operational momentum of the military in tackling insecurity nationwide.
Onoja reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces, under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to sustaining offensive operations against all threats.
“The Armed Forces will continue to protect lives and ensure that Nigerians live in peace and security,” he said.
