The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that troops across different theatres of operation in Nigeria recorded major successes in September, killing several terrorists, apprehending 450 suspects, and rescuing 180 kidnapped victims during ongoing counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.
According to the statement obtained by The News Chronicle, a total of 39 insurgents voluntarily surrendered to the military during the period, while troops recovered 63 assorted weapons and 4,475 rounds of ammunition. He added that additional recovered items included grenades, explosives, communication devices, vehicles, motorcycles, and other logistics used in criminal activities.
In the North-East, Kangye said troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, intensified operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. The sustained onslaught, he noted, led to the elimination of many terrorists and the arrest of 21 collaborators, informants, and sympathisers in areas including Konduga, Gwoza, Mafa, Monguno, Damboa, Biu, and Kukawa. Troops also dismantled terrorist hideouts, intercepted logistics channels, and supported the resettlement of displaced persons.
In the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA executed several clearance and rescue missions across Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kaduna States. Kangye said several bandits were neutralised, while 46 suspects, including a notorious terrorist leader, Ali Saidu, were captured. Thirteen kidnap victims were also rescued, with key supply routes in Maradun, Isa, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas successfully disrupted.
“Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops responded to distress calls and conducted clearance operations in Plateau and Kaduna States, where several extremists were neutralised, 12 suspects arrested, and 4 kidnapped victims rescued.
“Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised criminals and arrested six suspects in Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, as well as parts of the FCT, rescuing two kidnapped victims,” he said.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA reportedly neutralised armed militants and arrested four others in Anambra and Imo States. Weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and improvised explosive devices were also recovered during the operations.
Kangye reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces to maintaining peace and security nationwide, working in synergy with other security agencies and Hybrid Forces.
“Our gallant troops will continue to sustain offensive operations and intelligence-driven missions until lasting peace is achieved in all troubled parts of Nigeria,” he assured.
