The Defence Headquarters of Nigerian Armed Forces said on Friday that troops recorded major successes in its encounters with terrorists, bandits and oil thieves in the past one week, including the rescued of 71 hostages from their kidnappers.
Part of the successes also includes the foiling of crude oil theft worth of N25 million and the arrest of dozens of criminals across the country.
Major General Markus Kangye the Director of Defence Media Operations, who disclosed this also highlighted the relentless efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies are making in tackling insecurity.
He said that troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and hybrid forces, conducted decisive air and ground offensives that led to the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of the kidnapped victims and recovery of weapons and destruction of criminal enclaves.
“These achievements reflect the unwavering resolve of the Nigerian Armed Forces to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of our nation against all threats,” Kangye stated.
He said the operations have restored relative peace in several trouble communities and brings about an enabling environment for farmers to go back to their farming activities.
He said for instance, the North East – Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) troops have
sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists in Borno and Yobe States.
Aggressive operations across Danbore, Arnari, Limankara, Kekeno, Gajiram, Gonori and other locations resulted in the elimination of several insurgents, arrest of nine collaborators, and rescue of three kidnapped victims.
In separate raids in Biu, Ngala, Konduga, Damboa, Gubio, Kukawa and Damaturu, troops recovered weapons, vehicles, motorcycles, logistics supplies, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the sum of ₦191,700. Nine informants were also arrested, while IEDs were safely detonated.
He said that a follow-up operation in Gubio on August 17 led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles and ammunition after a captured suspect revealed their location.
While in the North West – troops of Operation FANSAN Yamma conducted
intense operations in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna and Niger States and killed several terrorists, arrested 14 suspects, and rescued 60 kidnapped victims.
In Shinkafi, Anka, Kaura Namoda, Tsafe and Faskari LGAs, coordinated raids led to the arrest of 11 suspects and rescue of 46 abductees. Similarly, operations in Kebbi and Sokoto States were also carried out between 14 – 18 August in which 11 more suspects were arrested
On their part ,troops of North Central – Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) foiled multiple terrorist attacks in Plateau and Kaduna States. Operations in Jos North, Riyom, Wase, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu and Kanam LGAs neutralised several assailants, and the arrest of two criminals, and the rescue of five hostages.
On August 17, the General Officer Commanding, Major General E.F. Oyinlola, handed over 220 recovered arms and 1,874 rounds of ammunition to the Director General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Jos.
Additionally, troops apprehended a notorious criminal, Adamu Buba (aka Mai Pankshin), and 13 accomplices in Plateau and Kaduna States.