Military rescues over 40 kidnapped victims, arrests 20 suspected criminals nationwide

The Nigerian military says its troops rescued more than 40 kidnapped victims and arrested over 20 suspected terrorists, collaborators and other criminals during operations carried out across the country between July 10 and 16.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

He said troops also killed several terrorists and disrupted criminal networks during the operations.

According to Onoja, the operations were carried out by troops under Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, Delta Safe and UDO KA, working alongside other security agencies and local vigilantes.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai received the surrender of 10 family members of terrorists, arrested six suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators, and rescued 13 kidnapped victims.

They also foiled attempted attacks around Maiduguri, killed some terrorists during ambushes and arrested a suspected foreign spy in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.

In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma troops arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, killed three terrorists and rescued 14 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Zamfara and Kebbi states. They also recovered vehicles and other items abandoned by fleeing suspects.

Operation Savannah Shield troops rescued four kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states. During another operation in Kwara, forest guards killed a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a dane gun.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace arrested suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, apprehended wanted criminal suspects in Plateau State and rescued four kidnap victims after stopping attacks along major highways.

In Nasarawa State, Operation Whirl Stroke troops arrested a suspected ammunition courier carrying 60 rounds of ammunition, while four suspected terrorist collaborators were arrested in Kogi State.

The military also rescued a school principal, a NECO official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State after security pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon them.

In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe troops destroyed illegal oil refining sites in Rivers State. They also killed two suspected kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles with ammunition and rescued three abductees.

In the South-East, Operation UDO KA arrested suspected members of a banned separatist group, recovered weapons and ammunition, and rescued two kidnapped victims along the Aba-Port Harcourt highway.

Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, praised troops for their efforts and professionalism.

He also said the CDS commended security agencies for the intelligence-led operation that secured the unconditional release of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with useful information, saying operations would continue until peace and security are restored nationwide.