The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the rescue of 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members among hundreds of kidnapped victims recovered during military operations across the country.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during the monthly briefing on military operations in Abuja.
According to him, a total of 21 kidnapped victims comprising eight males and 13 females were recently rescued by troops. He added that 15 of those rescued were NYSC members.
The military spokesman said the rescue reflects ongoing efforts by security forces to protect citizens and respond swiftly to incidents of abduction across various theatres of operation.
Beyond the rescue of the corps members, Onoja disclosed that troops rescued a total of 610 kidnapped victims during operations conducted in August.
He said military operations during the period also led to the neutralisation of 382 terrorists and criminal elements and the arrest of 373 suspects.
He further highlighted the rescue of 308 abducted persons, mostly women and children, from the Genji Lake National Park area on August 5, describing it as part of coordinated efforts involving intelligence sharing and collaboration among security agencies and relevant government institutions.
According to him, troops have continued to mount pressure on terrorist groups operating within and around the Genji Lake National Park and other identified corridors to deny them freedom of movement and prevent further attacks on communities.
Onoja said the Armed Forces remain committed to ensuring the safety of residents in affected communities, facilitating the return of displaced persons and creating conditions for normal socio-economic activities to thrive.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm and continue supporting ongoing security operations with credible information, noting that intelligence supplied by citizens remains vital to military successes.
The defence spokesman also conveyed the commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff to the rescue of all kidnapped victims, protection of civilians and the defeat of terrorism and criminality across the country.
Giving an overall operational summary, Onoja said 201 insurgents surrendered to troops during the month, while security forces recovered 88 assorted arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition.
He added that troops combating crude oil theft recovered 686,800 litres of stolen petroleum products and destroyed 21 illegal refining sites.
Onoja said the overall operational record for August demonstrates the military’s sustained resolve to degrade the capabilities of terrorists, criminals and economic saboteurs while ensuring a secure environment for peace and development nationwide.
