By Kazeem Waris
The Nigerian military has intensified its nationwide offensive against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, neutralising 60 suspected terrorists, rescuing 42 kidnapped victims and arresting 56 suspected collaborators, arms dealers and logistics suppliers in one week.
The operations, conducted across several theatres, also forced more than 15 terrorists and their family members to surrender, while troops recovered weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and other items used by criminal groups.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the figures in an operational update, detailing successes recorded by troops across the North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-East.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai reportedly repelled terrorist attacks around Buni Yadi in Yobe State and Bitta in Borno State, killing more than 50 terrorists.
According to Onoja, troops discovered 48 terrorist bodies after repelling an attack on Buni Yadi on October 29, recovering 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four general-purpose machine guns, a 60mm mortar, 105 magazines and two video cameras.
A subsequent engagement around Bitta on October 31 led to the recovery of seven more terrorist bodies, four AK-47 rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, four RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, a PKM machine gun and a radio.
The military also recorded the surrender of 12 terrorist fighters and family members between November 2 and 4 at locations in Borno State. Onoja said some of those who surrendered cited sustained military pressure and disagreements between rival JAS and ISWAP factions.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued several kidnapped victims during operations in Kebbi, Zamfara and Kaduna states.
Among the operations, troops reportedly forced kidnappers to abandon seven victims along the Ribah-Dirindaji Road in Kebbi State. Four other victims abducted from farms in Wasagu were also rescued after troops responded to an ambush.
In the North-Central, troops recorded successes in Kogi, Taraba, Niger, Kwara and Benue states.
Onoja said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke overran criminal hideouts in Edimogbo and Obele forests in Kogi State, recovering thousands of rounds of ammunition, motorcycles and several AK-47 rifles.
In one operation, troops reportedly recovered 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, seven bandoliers and six motorcycles after criminals fled their hideout in Edimogbo Forest.
Another operation in Obele Forest led to the killing of three suspected kidnappers and the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines and 336 rounds of ammunition.
In Taraba State, troops rescued six kidnapped civilians, including a baby, following a distress call from Jeb Jeb Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
Similarly, troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued 15 kidnap victims during an encounter with bandits around Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.
The operation also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG bombs, 33 motorcycles, ammunition and N4.105 million.
In Kwara State, troops and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria reportedly killed two Ansaru terrorists during an ambush at Nanu Village in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The military also recorded arrests of suspected logistics suppliers and gunrunners, including a supplier allegedly conveying materials to terrorists operating in Agbaja Forest, Kogi State.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udoka rescued a kidnapped victim following an attack by gunmen at Okwe Ubahu Nneato in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
Troops also recovered a pump-action rifle, a damaged hunting rifle and 13 cartridges during a search operation at Otuocha in Anambra State.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage and sacrifices, while acknowledging personnel and a civilian hunter who lost their lives during operations.
Oluyede called for stronger intelligence sharing and collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to sustain the military’s operational gains.
He urged Nigerians to provide credible information about suspicious movements and activities to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free emergency line 193.
The military leadership also warned citizens against providing logistics support to criminal groups, spreading misinformation or engaging in mob action.
The Armed Forces said operations would continue across the country until lasting peace and security were restored.
