Counter terrorism squad
In a major week-long counter-insurgency drive, troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces rescued over 70 abducted victims, recovered ₦10 million in cash suspected to be ransom, and apprehended several high-profile terrorist kingpins and arms dealers across multiple theatres of operation between October 15 and 22.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, made this known in an official statement detailing recent successes achieved across various tactical operations nationwide.
Among the key highlights of the week’s operations, troops tracked kidnappers to the Falgore Forest in Kano State, where they neutralized two suspects and rescued a victim abducted from Fanyabo village, Tudun Wada Local Government Area (LGA).
The military successfully recovered ₦10 million in cash suspected ransom paid by the victim’s family and handed both the money and the victim safely over to the family.
Katsina and Niger: 27 villagers rescued in Gamji, Katsina State, alongside 29 residents who fled into the bush during a terrorist raid in Mariga LGA, Niger State.
Kogi and Nasarawa: 11 commercial bus passengers rescued along the Ayere-Kabba road, and five kidnap victims retrieved along the Okoloke-Isanlu-Esa route in Yagba West LGA. A kidnapped herder was also rescued in Nasarawa State.
Plateau and Mandara Mountains: Two travelers abducted en route to Jos were rescued in Plateau State, while another abductee successfully escaped a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains.
Military forces intensified intelligence-led operations targeting terrorist networks, logistics suppliers, and arms syndicates:
North-Central Operations: Troops apprehended a wanted terrorist kingpin and an accomplice at his residence in Mokwa, Niger State.
In Benue State, a wanted gunrunner and militia leader was arrested in Jape village, Vandeikya LGA, while a militia hideout in Abako, Katsina-Ala LGA, was raided and destroyed.
Arms Syndicates Intercepted: In Jalingo, Taraba State, an arms dealer attempting to sell 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition was arrested, leading to the discovery of three AK-47 rifles.
Further operations in Taraba resulted in the arrest of a kidnapping syndicate operating with six AK-47 rifles.
NYSC Kidnap Suspects Apprehended: Under Operation Udo Ka, troops in Imo State arrested five suspects linked to the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members around Irete and Orogwe in Owerri West LGA, recovering three AK-47 rifles, an English pistol, and 81 rounds of ammunition.
South-South Raid: Troops under Operation Delta Safe raided Amendokhian Forest in Esan North-East LGA, Edo State, neutralizing one suspect and recovering a pump-action rifle and six live cartridges.
Mass Surrenders and Terrorist Cache Recovered in the North-East
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained offensive pressure against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements in Borno and Yobe states. Nineteen terrorist fighters and their family members surrendered or were intercepted in Bama, Konduga, Mafa, and Gwoza LGAs.
The surrendering individuals cited severe hunger, hardship, and violent clashes between rival factions as reasons for fleeing the camps.
Following a raid on a troop position at Mairari in Guzamala LGA, troops launched clearance operations, recovering eight AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 300 rounds of PKT ammunition, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, a handheld radio, and a motorcycle.
Multiple logistics collaborators supplying clothing for military-style uniforms and market suppliers were also arrested in Benisheikh Market and surrounding communities.
Commending the troops for their resilience and seamless collaboration with security partners, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, cautioned personnel to maintain strict discipline, uphold human rights, and adhere to rules of engagement.
General Oluyede appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and youths to assist security personnel by providing prompt intelligence, rejecting mob action, and denying criminals safe havens.
He also urged media organizations to rigorously verify reports especially those touching on sensitive communal issues to prevent heating up the polity.
The Armed Forces reaffirmed their resolve to sustain joint operations across all geo-political zones until peace and stability are fully restored.
