The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescued more than 40 kidnapped victims, arrested over 20 suspected terrorists, collaborators and other criminal elements during coordinated operations across the country between July 10 and July 16. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja in a statement on military operations nationwide.
“We have sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the Northeast, leading to the surrender of 10 family members of terrorists; the arrest of six suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators; as well as the rescue of 13 abductees,” Maj.-Gen. Onoja said.
Maj.-Gen. Onoja said troops also foiled infiltration attempts around Maiduguri, neutralized terrorists during ambush operations, and arrested a suspected foreign spy at Mallam Fatori in Borno State. In addition, the troops arrested terrorist collaborators, neutralized three terrorists, and rescued 14 kidnapped victims in separate operations across Zamfara and Kebbi states.
The defence spokesman said Operation Enduring Peace troops intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, arrested wanted criminal suspects in Plateau State, and rescued four kidnap victims after foiling attacks along major highways. Maj.-Gen. Onoja also stated that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism, courage, and dedication across all theatres of operation.
According to Maj.-Gen. Onoja, the CDS also applauded the intelligence-led collaboration among security agencies that led to the unconditional rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity. Maj.-Gen. Onoja stated that ongoing operations would be sustained until peace, security, and stability were fully restored across the country.
The AFN troops have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians, and their efforts have been successful in rescuing kidnapped victims and arresting suspected terrorists.
Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff, has commended the troops for their professionalism, courage, and dedication to serving the nation.
Operation Hadin Kai, a joint task force, has been responsible for the rescue operations. The operation has been ongoing since 2015 and has led to the defeat of several terrorist groups in the Northeast.
The AFN has been working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the success of the operations.
Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has assured Nigerians that ongoing operations would be sustained until peace, security, and stability were fully restored across the country.
The success of the operations is a testament to the bravery and dedication of the AFN troops, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.
Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has commended the troops for their efforts and has assured Nigerians that the operation would be sustained until peace and stability were achieved.
The AFN has been working to restore peace and stability in the Northeast, where several terrorist groups have been active. The operation has been ongoing since 2015 and has led to the defeat of several terrorist groups.
In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma arrested terrorist collaborators, neutralized three terrorists, and rescued 14 kidnapped victims in separate operations across Zamfara and Kebbi states. Maj.-Gen. Onoja said Operation Savannah Shield rescued four kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states, while forest guards neutralized a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and a dane gun during an operation in Kwara.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA troops arrested suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group, recovered weapons and ammunition, and rescued two abductees along the Aba–Port Harcourt Motorway. Maj.-Gen. Onoja stated that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism, courage, and dedication across all theatres of operation.
He said that ongoing operations would be sustained until peace, security, and stability were fully restored across the country. Maj.-Gen. Onoja urged Nigerians to continue supporting the armed forces and other security agencies with timely and credible information.