Nigeria’s Military says significant success has been recorded across its theatres of operation which results in the rescue of 50 kidnapped victims, the neutralization of scores of terrorists extremists, and the arrest of at least 96 criminal suspects, including high-value targets.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA in Abuja.
Highlighting gains by the military and other security agencies, to enhance national security and stability General, Onoja reaffirmed the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to the safe return of all citizens held captive, noting that the rescue of the remaining abducted children of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Agwara, Niger State, remains a top priority.
“Concerted efforts are ongoing to ensure their safety and quick reunion with their families,” the statement read.
He said across the Joint Task Force commands, troops recovered large caches of arms, including automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Guns (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials.
He noted that forces sustained momentum against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists. Operations in Borno and Adamawa States led to the neutralization of scores of terrorists. Notably, troops arrested 22 collaborators, informants, sympathizers, and spies, and rescued 15 kidnapped victims.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, said the military also conducted offensive operations across eight states, successfully neutralizing several terrorists and apprehending 18 suspects. Troops rescued 10 kidnapped victims. Key arrests included a wanted terrorist’s Medical Doctor traveling from Sokoto to Kwara to treat wounded terrorists, and a suspected arms dealer in Sokoto State.
He also said operations in Plateau and Kaduna States led to the neutralization of extremists, the arrest of 7 criminals, and the rescue of 14 kidnapped victims. Troops also recovered N6,600,000.00 from kidnappers and logistics suppliers as that in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States led to the arrest of 16 suspects and rescued 10 kidnapped victims.
He said troops combated oil theft and foiled a crime worth over N15.69 million as well as recovered 16,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,475 litres of DPK, destroyed 7 illegal refining sites, and arrested 29 oil thieves. Follow-up operations arrested an additional 39 suspects and rescued one kidnapped victim.
Speaking on the operations in the South East and parts of Benue State, General Onoja said 15 kidnapped victims were rescued as troops successfully raided a suspected IPOB/ESN local weapon fabrication workshop in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, recovering various weapons and servicing tools. Additionally, 11 illegal immigrants were handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service.
The Spokesperson while urging the public to share credible information and avoid speculation that could undermine ongoing rescue operations,
commended the bravery and professionalism of the troops, assuring Nigerians of the AFN’s continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of the nation.