The Nigerian Armed Forces have neutralised dozens of terrorists, apprehended more than 100 criminal suspects, and rescued at least 29 kidnapped victims during coordinated military operations conducted across the country within one week.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the outcomes of ongoing military operations carried out between January 19 and January 23.

According to Onoja, the operations were intelligence-driven and executed in close collaboration with other security agencies, with strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, international humanitarian law, and respect for human rights.

He stated that the sustained offensive actions significantly disrupted terrorist and criminal networks, led to the recovery of large quantities of arms and ammunition, and restored relative calm to several previously troubled communities.

North East

In the North East, troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai neutralised scores of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists during coordinated ground and air operations in parts of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.

Onoja said seven suspects were apprehended, while four kidnapped victims were rescued in Damboa, Askira/Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Gwoza, and Biu Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as Michika and Damaturu LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe states.

He added that air interdiction and armed reconnaissance missions conducted in Damboa, Abadam, and Doron Duguri areas of Borno State resulted in multiple precision strikes.

“Battle damage assessments confirmed that dozens of terrorists were neutralised and their equipment destroyed,” he said.

North West

In the North West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised several terrorists, apprehended 10 suspects, and rescued seven kidnapped victims during operations in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.

He noted that weapons, vehicles, and rustled livestock were also recovered during the operations.

North Central

The defence spokesman said troops of Operation Enduring Peace in the North Central zone neutralised some extremists, apprehended 39 criminals, and rescued four kidnapped victims in Plateau State and parts of Kaduna State.

He added that arms and ammunition were recovered, including a sum of 4,500 US dollars traced to proceeds from cattle rustling.

Similarly, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke apprehended 11 suspected kidnappers and rescued six kidnapped victims across Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, and Nasarawa states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

South-South

In the South-South region, Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe dismantled 20 illegal refining sites and apprehended 31 oil thieves and other criminal elements across Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, and Imo states.

South East

In the South East, troops of Operation Udo Ka rescued eight Cameroonian nationals abducted by sea pirates in Cross River State, apprehended three suspects in Anambra State, and received the surrender of about 80 militants along with their arms and ammunition.

Onoja reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property. He also called on the media to continue responsible and accurate reporting in support of national security efforts.