April 30, (THEWILL) — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced major operational successes by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, revealing that troops neutralised over 100 terrorists during coordinated ground and air offensives conducted across various theatres of operation nationwide in April.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on the activities and achievements of the military during the month under review, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, said the operations also led to the rescue of scores of kidnapped civilians, destruction of terrorist enclaves and logistics bases, recovery of arms and ammunition, and disruption of criminal networks operating in different parts of the country.
According to Onoja, the nationwide offensives were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and supported by actionable intelligence from local communities. He said the sustained operations had significantly degraded the fighting capabilities of insurgents, terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening national security.
“The Armed Forces remain resolute and will continue to intensify operations to ensure lasting peace and security across the country,” Onoja stated.
Giving a breakdown of the operations, the Defence spokesman disclosed that troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded substantial gains against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists operating in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
He said troops neutralised 136 terrorists, arrested 114 suspects, rescued abducted civilians, and recorded the surrender of nine insurgents alongside members of their families.
Among the notable achievements in the North-East, Onoja highlighted the rescue of 90 captives from the Mandara Mountains and the successful repelling of a major terrorist attack on April 24, during which 21 insurgents were killed and several weapons recovered.
He added that coordinated ground and air bombardments in the Timbuktu Triangle and Sambisa Forest resulted in the destruction of terrorist enclaves and further elimination of insurgents.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained pressure on terrorist and bandit groups across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.
According to Onoja, the troops neutralised 24 terrorists, arrested two suspects, and rescued 70 kidnapped victims during intelligence-led operations.
He said troops also destroyed terrorist camps, rescued abducted worshippers, and intercepted a suspect transporting materials suspected to be used for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
In the North-Central region, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded further successes in Niger State and neighbouring areas.
“Within the period, troops neutralised 21 terrorists, arrested 17 suspects and rescued 10 kidnapped victims,” Onoja said.
He added that troops destroyed criminal hideouts, recovered weapons, and repelled attacks on communities without suffering casualties.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE operating in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states neutralised 18 terrorists, arrested four suspects, and rescued 53 kidnapped victims.
The Defence spokesman further disclosed that troops recovered N8 million ransom from kidnappers and returned the money to victims, while drone-assisted operations contributed to additional arrests and successful rescue missions.
Onoja also revealed that Joint Task Force operations conducted in Plateau, Kogi, and adjoining states led to the neutralisation of 14 terrorists, arrest of 40 suspects, and rescue of 35 victims.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain the ongoing offensives against terrorists and criminal elements across the country until peace and stability are fully restored.
According to him, the military remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while ensuring the safety of lives and property nationwide.
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