The Defence Headquarters has reported a string of successful military operations across Nigeria, with troops killing multiple terrorists, apprehending 40 suspects, and freeing nine kidnap victims between 15 and 21 May.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the armed forces had sustained operational momentum, dismantled insurgent camps, disrupted logistics networks, and recovered significant caches of weapons and illicit materials.
North-East: Troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed two terrorists in Borno’s Gwoza Local Government Area and arrested four suspected collaborators linked to cattle rustling. Several insurgents and their family members—including two adult females and seven minors—surrendered in Dikwa, fleeing sustained military pressure.
North-West: Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised at least four terrorists and apprehended a major gunrunner supplying weapons to notorious bandit leaders. Recovered items include one General Purpose Machine Gun, an AK-47 rifle, and 216 rounds of ammunition. A kidnapped school pupil was rescued in Katsina State, while troops in Zamfara repelled community attacks and destroyed terrorist strongholds.
North-Central: Under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, and Whirl Stroke, forces arrested key suspects including a gang leader and informants, recovering N2.29 million believed to be ransom proceeds. In Plateau, five suspects were detained; seven kidnap victims were rescued in Kogi. A gunrunner linked to the supply of 23 AK-47 rifles was captured in Taraba, where two terrorists were also neutralised during clearance operations.
South-South: Operation Delta Safe operatives arrested at least nine suspected kidnappers and criminals across Edo and Cross River states. Illegal oil refining sites were dismantled, with roughly 3,000 litres of stolen crude oil and vehicles used for transporting illicit petroleum products seized.
South-East: Operation Udo Ka troops arrested four illegal miners, recovered a locally fabricated firearm, and repelled a mob attack without casualties.
The Defence Spokesperson further confirmed the recovery of multiple weapons, including AK-47 and G3 rifles, and machine guns. The Chief of Defence Staff commended troops for their professionalism, bravery, and resilience amid evolving security challenges.
Maj.-Gen. Onoja reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and urged citizens to remain vigilant, providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
(NAN)
