Troops rescue 36 abductees, neutralise terrorists kingpins in 1 week – DHQ

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The Defence Headquarters says troops have rescued 36 abducted persons and neutralised several terrorists in fresh operations across the country.

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The Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday on the military operations conducted between Aug. 31 and Sept. 3.

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He said the operations targeted terrorists, kidnappers, arms traffickers, criminal networks and secessionist elements across various theatres.

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Onoja said troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained counter-terrorism operations in Borno and Yobe, neutralising terrorists and disrupting their logistics networks.

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He said troops neutralised one terrorist on Sept. 1 after detonating an IED along the Miyanti-Banki Junction main supply route in Bama, Borno.

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According to him, troops recovered a rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator after the operation.

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He said another terrorist was neutralised during an encounter at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba, Yobe, with a rifle and ammunition recovered.

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Onoja said troops also intercepted a terrorist escapee around Sabsawa, Bama, on Aug. 31, after he fled captivity due to hunger and hardship.

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He said troops arrested a suspect in Konduga for conveying foodstuffs allegedly destined for a terrorist enclave in Bama.

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According to him, troops also arrested a suspected former terrorist fighter turned informant at Damasak, Mobbar, on Sept. 1.

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He said several terrorist fighters surrendered between Sept. 1 and Sept. 2, while suspected logistics suppliers, informants and spies were arrested.

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Onoja said 21 women and children surrendered to troops at Mafa, Dikwa, on Sept. 2, following clashes between rival terrorist factions.

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He added that another terrorist escapee was intercepted near Amuda Bridge, Gwoza, while a suspected terrorist spy was arrested along Kauwa-Kukawa Road.

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Onoja said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensive operations against terrorists and kidnappers across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.

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He said troops neutralised two terrorist kingpins and wounded another during a raid on suspected hideouts at Kogo, Matazu, Katsina, on Aug. 31.

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According to him, two motorcycles were also destroyed during the operation.

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He said troops intercepted a vehicle at Kadage, Giwa, Kaduna, on Sept. 2, containing 793 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack of grain.

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He said one fleeing suspect was neutralised during the operation.

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Onoja said troops also ambushed terrorists riding motorcycles at Kwanar Jolof along the Shinkafi-Zurmi axis in Zamfara.

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He said troops recovered an RPG launcher, rifle, ammunition and other items, while several terrorists were neutralised.

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The defence spokesman said troops rescued six abducted victims transiting from Ayu Market at Mehinua, Wasagu, Kebbi, on Sept. 2.

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He said another 23 abducted civilians comprising three men and 20 women were rescued from the outskirts of Wuya, Anka, Zamfara, on Sept. 3.

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According to him, the victims had been held by their abductors for about three weeks and were evacuated for medical attention.

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He said troops also rescued two abducted victims along the Dandume-Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa, Katsina, recovering two motorcycles.

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Onoja said troops subsequently conducted offensive operations in Tsamiya, Gandaba Gabas, Karradai, Zamoria, Tumunna and Bilange Forest in Tangaza, Sokoto.

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He said a terrorist camp was destroyed, while military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle were recovered.

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He added that troops recovered a locally fabricated rifle near Maikujera in Rabah, Sokoto, believed to have been concealed by terrorists after an Aug. 28 ambush.

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In the North Central, Onoja said troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE engaged two suspected terrorists on a motorcycle along Gbise-Igyudu Road, Katsina-Ala, Benue, on Sept. 2.

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He said one terrorist was neutralised while the other escaped, with troops recovering a pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and charms.

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Onoja said troops also compelled kidnappers to abandon two women abducted at Ajodomodo, Dekina, Kogi, leaving the victims unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest.

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He said troops conducted clearance operations at Peva, Takum, Taraba, on Sept. 3, targeting a wanted gang leader’s hideout.

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According to him, five gang members were arrested and ammunition and other items recovered, while the gang leader remained at large.

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Onoja said troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected kidnapping informant at Sabon Gida, Sanga, Kaduna, on Sept. 3.

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He added that troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued five male kidnap victims from farms along Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Mariga, Niger.

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He said troops also apprehended a suspected terrorist fighter with gunshot wounds at Gaa Ali Awere, Ifelodun, Kwara.

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In the South East, Onoja said troops of Operation UDO KA arrested two suspects at Mbosi, Ihiala, Anambra, on Sept. 1, for allegedly providing medical treatment to secessionist elements.

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He said troops also raided the Iva-Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North on Sept. 2, arresting a suspected member of a secessionist syndicate.

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According to him, the suspect was allegedly involved in orchestrating attacks against security agencies.

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Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops across all theatres for their gallantry and resilience.

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He said Oluyede also commended the synergy between the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders.

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According to him, the CDS urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible information to security agencies.

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He reassured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain operations until peace, stability and security were restored across the country. (NAN)

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