Military Rescues 179 Abductees, Intensifies Offensive Against Terrorists

Military Rescues 179 Abductees, Intensifies Offensive Against Terrorists
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralise terrorists in Borno and Taraba states while arresting a suspected collaborator in Monguno
The Defence Headquarters urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence

No fewer than 179 kidnapped victims have been rescued by troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in a series of coordinated operations conducted across the country between May 25 and May 28, the Defence Headquarters has disclosed.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the military also recorded significant gains against terrorists and criminal elements during the period, with several insurgents neutralised and multiple suspects arrested in ongoing operations across various theatres.

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Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, highlighting the military’s sustained offensive against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats nationwide.

According to Onoja, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded major successes in the North-East, neutralising terrorists in Borno and Taraba states while arresting a suspected collaborator in Monguno.

He added that the intensified military operations forced fresh surrenders within terrorist enclaves, with a family member of a terrorist reportedly fleeing the Kimbe enclave in Borno State due to increasing military pressure.

The Defence Headquarters spokesman further disclosed that troops repelled a gathering of terrorists along the Bam-Buratai axis, eliminating five fighters, while four additional terrorists were killed during an ambush operation in Yobe State.

In the North-West, Onoja said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested suspects linked to terrorist groups in Kebbi and Zamfara states and neutralised three terrorists during separate engagements.

He noted that troops also rescued 31 kidnapped victims in Zamfara State following successful air interdiction operations carried out by the Nigerian Air Force.

According to him, one of the most significant breakthroughs was recorded by troops of Operation Savannah Shield, who secured the release of 148 kidnapped victims, most of whom were women and children, in Niger State.

Military Rescues 179 Abductees, Intensifies Offensive Against Terrorists

In Kaduna State, troops under Operation Enduring Peace reportedly foiled attacks, rescued victims, and neutralised a notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Idi Yaya.

Onoja also disclosed that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke intensified operations against drug trafficking networks in Benue State, leading to the recovery of more than 500 illicit substances and the arrest of suspected distributors.

“In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe, in collaboration with other security agencies, carried out clearance and ambush operations in Edo State, leading to the arrest of suspects and the neutralisation of a kidnapper,” he said.

He further stated that troops of Operation Udo Ka in the South-East arrested suspected IPOB/ESN kingpins in Ebonyi State and successfully foiled an attempted abduction of farmers in Abia State.

The Defence Headquarters spokesman quoted the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, as commending troops for their resilience, professionalism, and commitment in ongoing operations across the country.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in restoring peace and safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation,” Oluyede stated.

The Defence Headquarters also urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, assuring citizens that information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality.