The Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres between October 2 and 8, including the repulsion of a major terrorist attack in Borno State, the rescue of abducted prospective corps members in Imo State and the killing of a senior ISWAP commander in Ondo State.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Air Component, foiled an attempted infiltration of Kukawa town in Borno State by suspected ISWAP fighters on the night of October 6. Military authorities said 25 terrorists were neutralised during the engagement, while troops recovered six AK-47 rifles, ammunition, rocket-propelled grenade bombs and other equipment.
In a statement made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA, Major General Michael Onoja, Director, Defence Media Operations, said the Armed Forces maintained sustained pressure on terrorist and criminal groups across the country, resulting in the rescue of abductees, arrests of suspected collaborators and the disruption of extremist logistics networks.
In the North East, troops rescued several abductees in Borno State, including three victims who had reportedly spent seven years in captivity.
Security forces also intercepted escapees from terrorist camps and arrested suspected collaborators and logistics suppliers in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
In the North West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma repelled an attempted attack by Lakurawa terrorists in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State on October 7.
The military said 10 terrorists were killed, while 17 motorcycles, weapons, ammunition and communication equipment were recovered.
Troops also rescued 18 kidnap victims in Katsina State and recovered a seven-year-old boy who had been abducted in neighbouring Kaduna State.
In the South East, security forces rescued 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.
A local woman who was also kidnapped was rescued during the operation, while efforts continue to apprehend the perpetrators.
A separate joint security operation in Owo Forest, Ondo State, led to the killing of several terrorists, including Abdussamad Ohida, identified by the military as a senior ISWAP leader who had assumed command following the arrest of the group’s previous leader in 2023.
The military said intelligence indicated that the suspect had been planning large-scale attacks in some southern states ahead of the festive season.
Elsewhere, troops conducting anti-crude oil theft operations in Rivers State discovered three illegal refining sites in Okarki Forest and recovered an estimated 2,500 litres of stolen Premium Motor Spirit, further disrupting illicit oil bunkering activities.
The military said the operations underscore its determination to sustain pressure on terrorist, kidnapping and criminal networks nationwide, while continuing efforts to protect civilians and strengthen security across the country.
