The Armed Forces of Nigeria have rescued more than 70 kidnapped victims, arrested a wanted terrorist kingpin in Niger State, and recovered ₦10 million suspected to be ransom money during nationwide military operations conducted over the past week.
The operations also led to the arrest of five members of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the kidnapping of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State, alongside the recovery of arms and ammunition across several theatres.
The Director of Defence Media, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement while briefing the public on ongoing military operations across the country’s geopolitical zones.
According to the statement, troops rescued 27 villagers, comprising 15 men and 12 women, abducted in Gamji community, Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, after engaging their captors and forcing them to flee.
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In Niger State, troops rescued 29 residents who fled into nearby bushes when terrorists attempted to abduct farmers in Magaji Mai Kadarko Village, Mariga LGA. However, one resident was reportedly killed before troops arrived.
Troops also tracked kidnappers to Yan Taburmi in Falgore Forest, Kano State, where two suspects were neutralised and a kidnapped victim rescued. A search of the area led to the recovery of ₦10 million suspected to be ransom paid by the victim’s family.
The victim and recovered money were subsequently handed over to the family in the presence of community and security representatives.
In another operation, troops arrested a wanted terrorist kingpin and his accomplice at the kingpin’s residence in Mokwa town, Niger State. Four mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash were recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other identified accomplices.
Across the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained offensives against terrorist groups in Borno and Yobe states, recovering eight AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 300 rounds of PKT ammunition, two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and chargers, a handheld radio and a motorcycle following clearance operations around Mairari, Guzamala LGA, Borno State.
The military also reported the arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators, while 19 terrorist fighters and family members surrendered to, or were intercepted by, troops across Bama, Konduga, Mafa and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State.
The individuals reportedly cited hunger, hardship and violent clashes between rival terrorist factions as reasons for fleeing terrorist camps.
In the North-Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued five kidnapped victims abandoned by their captors along the Okoloke-Isanlu-Esa route in Kogi State.
Eleven passengers were also rescued after troops pursued attackers who had assaulted a commercial bus along the Ayere-Kabba Road, with three injured occupants evacuated for medical attention.
Other operations led to the rescue of two travellers kidnapped on their way to Jos in Plateau State, the rescue of a herder in Nasarawa State and the arrest of suspected gunrunners, arms dealers and members of kidnapping networks in Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested five suspects allegedly linked to the kidnapping of 20 prospective corps members in Imo State. Three AK-47 rifles, an English pistol and 81 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered during the operation.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE neutralised a suspected kidnapper at Amendokhian Forest in Esan North-East LGA of Edo State and recovered a pump-action rifle with six live cartridges.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their resilience and operational successes, particularly the rescue of the victims in Katsina and Niger states, the recovery of suspected ransom money and the sustained surrenders in the North-East.
Oluyede urged personnel to maintain discipline, respect human rights, observe the rules of engagement and avoid complacency, warning that criminal elements under pressure could remain dangerous.
He also commended other security agencies for their collaboration and urged the media to verify information, particularly reports involving sensitive communal issues, to avoid escalating tensions.
The CDS further called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and other stakeholders to promptly report security threats, reject mob action and refrain from providing safe havens for criminals.
He warned terrorist collaborators, logistics suppliers, recruiters and gunrunners that security forces would continue to pursue and apprehend them, wherever they might be hiding.
The military said “It would sustain its operational tempo until peace and security were restored across the country.”
