Nigerian troops eliminate 30 terrorists, rescue dozens of victims

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigerian troops killed more than 30 terrorists, including high-value targets while also rescuing dozens of abducted victims during coordinated operations across the country between March 7 and March 12.

The troops also apprehended many key operatives of the terror groups, including logistics suppliers, tax collectors, and informants, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a weekly brief on the operations of the military in Abuja.

According to him, the troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully curtailed terrorists’ movements and disrupted key supply lines across Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa.

Giving details of the operations,Onoja said on March 9, troops recovered arms cache following repelled attacks in Mafa and Jere Local Government Areas of Borno.

“The following day, simultaneous assaults on FOB Tuba and Doro Baga were decisively thwarted.

“In Goniri, Yobe, troops repelled a multi-directional night attack, neutralising more than 20 terrorists, including Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula, while recovering weapons, IEDs, and ammunition.

“Troops also rescued kidnapped victims and seized supplies meant for insurgents.

“In Adamawa, swift responses to distress calls in Madagali and Maiha Local Government Areas led to the recovery of 23 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended for terrorist operations.

“Since 2015, Operation HADIN KAI has recorded the surrender of 122,843 insurgents, highlighting the sustained pressure on terrorist networks,” he said.

In North West, Onoja said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA struck terrorists in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.

According to him, key operations include the rescue of abducted victims from Mpape-Kuyeri Forest along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, the destruction of a terrorist enclave in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

He said there was also the interception of ammunition and rustled cattle in Gudu and Dagozawa villages.

“In the North Central region, the troops under Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE, and WHIRL STROKE maintained pressure on criminal and terrorist elements across Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Kogi States.

“The operations led to the neutralisation of terrorists, recovery of arms, and rescue of kidnapped victims.

“Notable successes include the rescue of multiple victims in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara, Riyom and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau, and the interception of explosives in Bauchi State,” he added.

He further said that in the South-South and South-East regions, troops of Operations DELTA SAFE and UDO KA targeted criminal and separatist networks, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN).

“The operations resulted in the dismantling of illegal oil refining sites in Egbema West Local Government Area of Imo.

“Suspected kidnappers were also neutralised in Egoro Forest in Edo, and the disarming of IEDs along contested routes in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo, improving civilian access and safety,” he said.

Onoja emphasised that the ongoing operations, in spite of the challenges, reflected the courage and professionalism of the armed forces.

He said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had commended the public for providing timely intelligence.

Oluyede had also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to troop welfare, collaboration with other security agencies, and restoring lasting stability across the country.

(NAN)