Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified nationwide counter-terrorism operations, killed scores of terrorists, rescued 67 kidnapped victims, and arrested 94 criminal suspects in two weeks.
Olatokunbo Bello, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while briefing journalists on military operations conducted between November 3 and 14.
He said troops across all theatres recorded “substantial operational gains” backed by improved intelligence, sustained offensives, and increased inter-agency collaboration.
According him, troops of Operation Hadin Kai maintained aggressive ground and air offensives in Borno and Adamawa States, neutralising several Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.
He added that 45 terrorists’ informants, collaborators and logistics suppliers were also arrested, while one kidnapped victim was rescued during the operations. Large quantities of arms, ammunition, explosives, and IED-making equipment were also recovered.
“Troops also intensified counter-banditry operations across Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi and Kano States. Several terrorists were killed in coordinated raids and ambushes, while two suspected criminals were arrested and 13 kidnapped victims rescued.
“A cache of weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock was recovered as troops dismantled multiple criminal hideouts.
“Troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded to multiple attacks in Plateau and Kaduna States, killing extremists and arresting 16 suspects. Five kidnapped victims were rescued during the operations”, he reported.
Bello noted that a notorious criminal, Ibrahim Wakili, was arrested on November 9 in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, in a development he described as a “major disruption of violent networks” in the area.
He added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke also recorded significant successes across Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States. Several criminals were killed, 10 suspects arrested, and 48 kidnapped victims rescued.
“Additionally, troops apprehended two gunrunners and two extremist collaborators in Nasarawa State”, he added.
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The defence spokesman said troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered and destroyed several illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta.
“They also foiled crude oil theft valued at more than N15.8 million, and arrested nine suspected oil thieves in Bayelsa and Delta States.
“In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka sustained heightened pressure on separatist-linked and violent criminal groups. One terrorist was killed and seven suspects arrested during operations in Imo, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States,” he said.
Bello reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations across all regions, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain focused on restoring peace, security and stability throughout the country.
