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The Nigerian military said its troops killed 102 terrorists and criminals, rescued 397 kidnapped victims and arrested 345 suspected terrorists and criminals during operations conducted across the country in July. The operations took place in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe states, where the military sustained coordinated land and air offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday while presenting the operational scorecard of the Armed Forces for July. Onoja said troops also recovered 59 firearms and 1,811 rounds of ammunition during the period, while 57 insurgents and their family members surrendered.

Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations. Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja is a senior military officer who has been serving in the Nigerian army for over 20 years. He is known for his exceptional leadership skills and has led several military operations in the North-East region.

The Defence spokesman further disclosed that troops arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators in Magumeri Local Government Area after they allegedly admitted to supporting insurgent activities. In Taraba State, Onoja said troops rescued three kidnap victims during a fighting patrol to Bomanda village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area following intelligence on abductions in the area.

Summarising the nationwide operations, Onoja said the Armed Forces remained committed to sustaining pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal groups. The victims, who had been held captive for about 10 days, were evacuated for medical attention before being reunited with their families.

The operational record for July stands as compelling testimony to the Armed Forces' resolve to create a secure environment for socio-economic development. During the month, 102 terrorists and criminals were neutralized, 345 suspects arrested, 397 kidnapped victims rescued, while 57 insurgents surrendered. Troops also recovered 59 weapons and 1,811 rounds of ammunition.

In a related development, troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, participating in Operation WABAIZIGAN, rescued 14 kidnapped victims in Edo State. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin City, Kennedy Anyanwu, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying a swift response to a kidnap incident along the Lagos–Benin Expressway in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State led to the rescue of the victims.

Key Facts

• 102 terrorists and criminals were killed by the military • 397 kidnapped victims were rescued • 345 suspects were arrested • 57 insurgents and their family members surrendered • 59 firearms and 1,811 rounds of ammunition were recovered • The victims who were rescued had been held captive for about 10 days • The military operations were conducted in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe states