Nigerian troops rescued more than 70 abducted persons and recovered N10m in suspected ransom during nationwide security operations conducted between October 15 and 22, the Defence Headquarters has said.
The operations also led to the arrest of suspected terrorists, kidnappers and arms dealers, as well as the recovery of weapons and ammunition across several states.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed the developments in a statement on Saturday, detailing operations carried out by the military’s various joint task forces.
In Katsina State, troops rescued 27 villagers abducted in Gamji community, while in Niger State, they rescued 29 residents who had fled into nearby bushes during a terrorist attack in Mariga Local Government Area.
In Kogi State, soldiers rescued 11 passengers after suspected attackers assaulted a commercial bus along the Ayere-Kabba road.
Onoja said troops also tracked kidnappers to Falgore Forest, where two suspects were neutralised and a victim abducted from Fanyabo village in Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State was rescued.
The military recovered N10m suspected to have been paid as ransom by the victim’s family and returned the money alongside the rescued victim to the family.
In Mokwa, Niger State, troops arrested a wanted suspected terrorist kingpin and an accomplice at the kingpin’s residence, recovering four mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Arrests, surrenders in North-East
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained operations against terrorists in Borno and Yobe states, arresting suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators.
Onoja said some of those arrested were allegedly involved in supplying clothing materials used to make terrorist uniforms.
He added that 19 terrorist fighters and their family members surrendered to, or were intercepted by, troops in Bama, Konduga, Mafa and Gwoza local government areas of Borno during the period.
The defence spokesman said some of the individuals cited hunger, hardship and clashes between rival terrorist factions as reasons for leaving their camps.
Troops also rescued an abductee who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains and arrested suspected Islamic State West Africa Province members in Borno and Yobe.
Following an attack on a military position in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno, troops conducted clearance operations and recovered eight AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 300 rounds of PKT ammunition, two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and chargers, a handheld radio and a motorcycle.
Arms dealers, kidnappers arrested
In the North-Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued five kidnap victims abandoned by their captors along the Okoloke-Isanlu-Esa route in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
They also rescued a kidnapped herder in Nasarawa State and arrested a wanted suspected gunrunner and militia leader in Jape village, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.
In Taraba State, troops arrested a suspected arms dealer in Jalingo over an alleged attempt to sell 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspect reportedly led security personnel to the location of three AK-47 rifles.
Onoja said troops subsequently arrested another suspected kidnapper in Taraba and apprehended other members of an alleged kidnapping syndicate said to be operating with six AK-47 rifles.
In Benue State, soldiers raided the residence of a suspected militia leader in Abako, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, and destroyed the group’s hideout.
In Plateau State, troops rescued two people abducted while travelling to Jos and arrested three suspects during an operation at a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Riyom Local Government Area. One of the suspects was identified as an alleged logistics supplier.
Five arrested over NYSC members’ abduction
The defence spokesman said troops of Operation Udo Ka arrested five suspects over the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State.
The operation, conducted around Irete and Orogwe in Owerri West Local Government Area, led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, an English pistol and 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
In Anambra State, troops responding to a suspected secessionist attack pursued fleeing suspects who abandoned a bus and escaped in another vehicle.
The soldiers recovered the bus, a pump-action gun and five cartridges.
In Edo State, troops of Operation Delta Safe conducted an offensive operation against suspected kidnappers in Amendokhian Forest, Esan North-East Local Government Area. One suspect was neutralised, while a pump-action rifle and six live cartridges were recovered.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma engaged terrorists in Sokoto and Katsina states, recovering AK-47 rifles, motorcycles, ammunition and other equipment.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their efforts and acknowledged the support of other security agencies.
He urged military personnel to remain disciplined, respect human rights and comply with the rules of engagement, warning that terrorists remained dangerous despite sustained military pressure.
Oluyede also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and youths to report threats promptly, reject mob action and avoid providing safe havens for criminals.
He urged the media to verify reports, particularly those involving sensitive communal issues, to prevent the escalation of tensions.
Onoja said the Armed Forces would sustain operations until peace and security were restored across the country.
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