Military Intensifies Operations, Frees 40 Abductees

Military Intensifies Operations, Frees 40 Abductees
Arrests 20 Terror Suspects in One Week
Troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued four kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states

The Nigerian military has announced the rescue of more than 40 kidnapped victims and the arrest of over 20 suspected terrorists, collaborators and other criminal suspects during coordinated operations conducted across the country between July 10 and 16.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, saying the operations also led to the killing of several terrorists and the disruption of criminal networks.

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According to Onoja, the operations were carried out by troops under Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, Delta Safe and UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai received the surrender of 10 family members of terrorists, arrested six suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators, and rescued 13 kidnapped victims. They also foiled attempted attacks around Maiduguri, neutralised some terrorists during ambush operations and arrested a suspected foreign spy in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.

In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, killed three terrorists and rescued 14 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Zamfara and Kebbi states. Security operatives also recovered vehicles and other items abandoned by fleeing suspects.

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Troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued four kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states. During another operation in Kwara, forest guards neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a dane gun.

Under Operation Enduring Peace, troops arrested suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, apprehended wanted criminal suspects in Plateau State, and rescued four kidnap victims after repelling attacks along major highways.

In Nasarawa State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested a suspected ammunition courier allegedly transporting 60 rounds of ammunition, while four suspected terrorist collaborators were arrested in Kogi State.

The military also rescued a school principal, a NECO official and two students who were abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, after sustained security pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon them.

In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe dismantled illegal oil refining sites in Rivers State, killed two suspected kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles with ammunition and rescued three abductees.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA in the South-East arrested suspected members of a banned separatist group, recovered weapons and ammunition, and rescued two kidnapped victims along the Aba-Port Harcourt highway.

Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism and dedication in the ongoing operations.

He added that the CDS also praised security agencies for the intelligence-led operation that secured the unconditional release of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.

The military urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, assuring that operations against terrorists and other criminal elements would continue until peace and security are restored across the country.