Military Ramps Up Offensive, Rescues Victims, Destroys Terror Networks Nationwide

Military Ramps Up Offensive, Rescues Victims, Destroys Terror Networks Nationwide

By Jamila Muhammad, Gombe 

The Defence Headquarters said on Friday that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded fresh gains in ongoing military operations across the country, including the arrest of terror suspects, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the recovery of weapons and illicit materials.

The military said the operations, which were conducted between March 20 and March 26, targeted terrorists, insurgents, kidnappers, oil thieves, and other criminal groups operating in different parts of the country.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in Abuja while briefing journalists on the outcome of the latest nationwide offensives.

He said the operations were carried out under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, through intelligence-based missions and coordinated ground actions involving troops in various theatres.

According to him, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in the North-East, leading to the arrest of suspected informants, logistics suppliers and arms couriers in Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba states.

He said troops also recovered rifles, magazines, and other operational items during raids and security operations at locations such as Maiduguri, Damboa, Kaga, and Mubi.

In the North-West, Onoja said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, with support from air components, carried out attacks on terrorist enclaves in Sokoto and Zamfara states, killing several fighters and disrupting their support networks.

He added that troops also rescued an abducted local government official in Kano State and recovered arms, ammunition and communication devices during ambush and clearance operations.

In the North Central, the defence headquarters said troops operating under operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke recorded breakthroughs in anti-kidnapping and anti-terror operations.

Onoja said troops responded to an attack on a worship centre in Kwara State and succeeded in rescuing some of the abducted victims, while efforts were ongoing to free others still in captivity.

He also said troops arrested suspects found with explosive materials and components for improvised explosive devices in Niger State, while more suspects linked to criminal activities were apprehended in Plateau, Benue State, and Kogi State.

He added that several kidnapped victims were rescued during patrols and clearance missions, while weapons and ammunition were recovered from fleeing criminals.

The military spokesman further disclosed that troops discovered and safely detonated improvised explosive devices planted by criminal elements, while several hideouts in forests and border communities were destroyed.

In the South-South, Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified the war against crude oil theft and illegal refining, leading to the destruction of illegal refining camps and the recovery of large quantities of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products in Rivers and Cross River states.

He reported the arrest of suspects involved in oil theft and kidnapping, as well as the interception of vehicles and equipment used for illegal activities.

In the South-East, he said troops of Operation Udo Ka recorded successes against armed groups linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.

According to him, troops detonated improvised explosive devices and dismantled a major illegal refining site in Imo State, where stolen petroleum products were also recovered and destroyed.

Onoja said the latest operational outcomes reflected the impact of sustained military pressure and growing collaboration among security agencies.

He said the military remained committed to degrading criminal networks and restoring peace in troubled communities across the country.

The defence spokesman also conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff for the troops’ dedication and professionalism while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue to provide useful information to security agencies.