The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that Nigerian troops on internal operations across the country rescued 117 hostages and arrested 150 suspected criminals, including terrorists, informants, oil thieves, and armed robbers within the past week.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Friday during the weekly press briefing on military operations nationwide. He said the intensified operations have denied terrorists and other criminal groups freedom of action while enabling farmers to return to their farmlands without hindrance.
North East Operations
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai eliminated several Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS fighters in Borno and Yobe States, rescuing five kidnap victims. Eleven collaborators and informants were arrested, while arms, ammunition, logistics items, illicit drugs, vehicles, and ₦70,050 cash were recovered. One terrorist from the Abu Ayuba syndicate surrendered to troops in Kaga LGA of Borno State, handing over his weapon and ammunition.
North West Operations
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted offensives in Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger States. Twenty-eight terrorists and criminals were arrested, while 76 kidnap victims were rescued following an airstrike in Kankara, Katsina State. Four other suspects were arrested in Kontagora (Niger) and Matazu (Katsina), with arms, motorcycles, and ₦321,000 recovered.
North Central Operations
Troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized terrorists, arrested 19 criminals and rescued seven victims in Plateau and Kaduna States. Five gunrunners and two wanted criminals were also apprehended. Separately, Operation Whirl Stroke troops carried out raids in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi States, and the FCT, where they killed extremists, arrested 13 suspects, and freed 29 victims.
South-South Operations
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth over ₦443 million, recovering 294,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 188,450 litres of illegally refined diesel. They destroyed 12 illegal refining sites, seized vehicles, boats, pumping machines, and arrested 33 suspects. In Rivers and Delta States, troops rescued two victims and arrested 13 criminals.
South East Operations
In the South East, Operation UDO KA troops arrested nine suspected IPOB/ESN members and killed several terrorists in Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Anambra States.
Major General Kangye reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, restoring security in troubled regions, and supporting civilian livelihoods.
“Our gallant troops, alongside other security agencies and hybrid forces, will continue to work in line with global best practices to ensure lasting peace and security in every part of Nigeria,” he stated