Nigerian troops kill 317 terrorists, rescue 221 victims from kidnappers – DHQ

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigerian troops eliminated 317 terrorists and criminal elements, rescued 221 kidnapped victims, nabbed 314 suspects and recovered 93 assorted weapons in operations across the country in the month of May.

Also, 18 suspected terrorists surrendered to troops while three illegal refining sites were dismantled and 21,910 litres of stolen petroleum products recovered during the period, Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.

Onoja who spoke during the monthly press briefing on ongoing operations said the renewed offensive reflects the military’s sustained pressure on terrorist networks, criminal gangs and economic saboteurs across all theatres.

Giving breakdown of the operations, Onoja said in the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 73 insurgents, arrested 159 suspects and rescued 112 civilians, while several terrorists surrendered due to intensified operations.

Onoja said troops also repelled multiple attacks, disrupted cross-border logistics and recovered arms and ammunition in Borno and Yobe.

“In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma troops neutralised 24 terrorists, arrested 13 and rescued 22 kidnapped victims through aggressive patrols and coordinated air-ground operations,” he said.

He added that troops in the North-Central under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke conducted clearance and interdiction missions, dismantling kidnapping networks and illegal arms supply chains.

He noted that a major breakthrough was the discovery and dismantling of an illegal arms manufacturing facility in Plateau.

In the South-South, Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified operations against oil theft, arresting 14 suspects, destroying illegal refining sites and intercepting large volumes of stolen petroleum products.

Similarly, troops of Operation Udo Ka in the South-East arrested 60 suspects, rescued 18 victims and recovered weapons while sustaining pressure on criminal and secessionist elements.

Onoja said the operations also exposed networks of collaborators, gunrunners and informants aiding criminal groups across the country.

He acknowledged a recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State, adding that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had ordered immediate reinforcement and deployment of surveillance assets to track the perpetrators.

He said the military remained resolute in restoring security, assuring that troops would sustain pressure until all threats were neutralised.

“The Armed Forces will not relent in its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect citizens,” he said.

Onoja commended troops for their gallantry and professionalism and called on Nigerians to support security agencies with credible intelligence. (NAN)