By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Nigerian military says its latest nationwide operations have resulted in the rescue of more than 66 kidnapped victims, the killing of 12 terrorists and the arrest of over 34 suspected collaborators, informants and logistics suppliers.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Saturday while giving an account of military operations conducted across the country between September 10 and 17.
According to Onoja, troops also detected and safely defused 12 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including nine planted along a major supply route between Machan-Gyada and Masaka villages in Niger State.
He said the affected roads were subsequently cleared and reopened to vehicular movement.
22 kidnapped victims rescued in Niger
In the North-Central, troops operating under Operation Savannah Shield killed five terrorists in separate encounters in Kwara and Niger states.
At Muchiya Village in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, troops engaged terrorists on September 15, forcing them to abandon their captives.
Twenty-two kidnapped victims were subsequently rescued and reunited with their families, while three motorcycles were recovered.
Troops also killed three terrorists at the Kpada/Lade District border in Patigi LGA of Kwara State on September 12 and recovered firearms.
Two more terrorists were killed during a patrol around Dekara, Gidan Zana and Sabon Gida in Borgu LGA of Niger State on September 14, with a machine gun and ammunition recovered.
The military also reported the arrest of four suspects at Pissa in Borgu LGA, including two people allegedly impersonating security personnel.
According to Onoja, the suspects claimed they had been sent by terrorist leaders in Sokoto and Katsina states to monitor troop positions and recover firearms.
Arrests, rescues across North-West
Troops under Operation Fandan Yamma also recorded operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto states.
In Kebbi, troops conducting a clearance operation towards the Nigeria-Niger border in Arewa Dandi LGA reportedly killed several terrorists and recovered a machine gun, rifle, ammunition and four motorcycles.
Two terrorists were also killed in Katsina after troops intercepted a group allegedly preparing to attack communities around Matazu and Karaduwa.
Several kidnapping victims were rescued in Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto, including 10 abducted persons at Unguwan Rimi Village in Sabuwa LGA.
Troops also rescued three victims at Danhonu 2 Community in Chikun and three others at Gidan Gulbi in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State.
The military said two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers were arrested at Dogon Dawa in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. The suspects had reportedly been on a counter-terrorism wanted list since June.
14 abductees rescued in Borno
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai rescued 14 abductees around Armuda and Gava in Gwoza LGA of Borno State between September 12 and 13.
Among those rescued was Mallam Sadiq, the Chief Imam of Ngoshe, who had reportedly been abducted during an attack on March 3.
Troops also intercepted a woman who had escaped from terrorist captivity after five months, alongside two minors who had reportedly spent six months in captivity at Suyaka Camp in the Mandara Mountains.
Two terrorists also surrendered to troops in Borno with three AK-47 rifles and other weapons, while another repentant fighter surrendered with an AK-47, hand grenade and IED.
The military further reported the arrest of several suspected informants and collaborators, including people allegedly providing information on military convoy movements and those suspected of assisting terrorists with IED operations.
Operations extend to South-East, Niger Delta
In Edo State, troops under Operation Delta Safe arrested a suspected kidnapper at Obaretin Community along the Benin-Sapele Road and recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition.
In Imo State, troops under Operation Udoka dismantled an illegal oil-bunkering site near Well Head 17/20 in Egbema West, Ohaji/Egbema LGA.
About 1,300 litres of suspected stolen crude oil were recovered, while structures at the site were destroyed.
Troops also arrested a suspected IED fabrication specialist linked by the military to a secessionist group along the Umulolo Junction-Linka-Ihube axis near Okigwe.
Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their operations across the country and urged communities, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
The military said the operations would continue across the various theatres as part of efforts to counter terrorism, kidnapping, illegal oil activities and other security threats.
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