Nigerian troops have killed 36 terrorists, rescued 50 abducted persons and arrested several suspected terrorists and collaborators during military operations across the country between October 2 and 8, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, outlining operational successes recorded across the country’s security theatres.
According to him, the operations included the foiling of an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) assault on Kukawa in Borno State, the rescue of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State and the killing of a senior ISWAP commander in Ondo State.
In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai killed 26 terrorists during engagements in Borno and Yobe states, including 25 fighters who allegedly attempted to infiltrate Kukawa town.
Onoja said troops also rescued several abductees in the region, including three people who had reportedly spent seven years in captivity.
Security personnel also arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, logistics suppliers and smugglers in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
In the North-West, troops operating under Operation Fansan Yamma killed 10 Lakurawa terrorists during an encounter with a large group of fighters in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The operation led to the recovery of 17 motorcycles, a machine gun, an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a communication device.
The troops also rescued 18 kidnap victims in Katsina State and a seven-year-old boy who had been abducted in Kaduna State, while several suspected terrorists and collaborators were arrested.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka rescued 20 prospective corps members who were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.
A woman who was reportedly abducted while travelling to the market was also rescued.
Onoja said the victims were freed at Ndegwu community in Owerri West Local Government Area following sustained pressure by troops and other security agencies.
He further disclosed that a joint security team killed Abdussamad Ohida, described as a senior ISWAP commander, in Owo forest, Ondo State, on October 2.
According to the defence spokesperson, Ohida was the deputy to the leader of ISWAP’s Central Nigeria faction and assumed leadership after the faction’s leader was arrested by the State Security Services in 2023.
Onoja said intelligence gathered during investigations indicated that the commander had been planning large-scale attacks on civilians in some southern states ahead of the forthcoming festive season.
In the North-Central, troops of Operation Savannah Shield arrested a wanted terrorist in Niger State and rescued three people who had escaped from their abductors in a forest in Kwara State.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace also arrested two suspected kidnappers in Kaduna State, while personnel operating under Operation Whirl Stroke recovered illegal firearms and ammunition during raids in Taraba State.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered three illegal refinery sites in Rivers State and recovered approximately 2,500 litres of suspected stolen Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol.
Onoja said the operations reflected the military’s continued efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, rescue abducted citizens and disrupt the logistical and financial activities of criminal groups.
He said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, urging them to sustain their efforts as the festive season approaches.
Oluyede also called for stronger cooperation among security agencies and urged community leaders and members of the public to report individuals suspected of providing support to terrorists and other criminal groups.
The DHQ said military operations would continue across the various theatres as security agencies intensify efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping, illegal arms possession and other criminal activities.
