Troops Rescue 393 Kidnap Victims, Arrest 345 Suspects In July

The Defence Headquarters had disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria sustained nationwide offensive operations in July, rescuing 393 kidnapped victims, arresting 345 terrorists and other criminal suspects, and neutralising more than 102 terrorists in a renewed push against insecurity.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, on Friday in Abuja, said the operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups, also led to the surrender of 57 insurgents, the recovery of 59 firearms and 1,811 rounds of ammunition, as well as the destruction of several terrorist camps, logistics bases and illegal refining sites.

Major General Onoja said troops recorded significant operational successes across the North East, North West, North Central, South-South and South East under various joint task force operations.

He noted that several high-value terrorist commanders and collaborators were neutralised or arrested, while sustained air and ground offensives disrupted terrorist logistics, rescued abducted civilians and further weakened criminal networks.

The DDMO added that troops intensified the crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, dismantling 18 illegal refining sites and recovering more than 250,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

He also highlighted ongoing Civil-Military Cooperation projects, including peace-building initiatives, healthcare interventions and community development programmes aimed at strengthening public confidence and supporting stability in conflict-affected areas.

Major General Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff commended troops for their professionalism and sacrifice, particularly for the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State without any concession to their captors.

The military also urged Nigerians to continue supporting security efforts by providing credible and timely intelligence through the Armed Forces' toll-free emergency line, 193.