The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops deployed across various theatres of operation rescued 36 kidnapped victims, neutralised several terrorists, including notorious kingpins, and arrested suspects linked to terrorist activities during a series of coordinated military operations nationwide.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday, detailing military operations carried out between August 31 and September 3.
According to him, troops operating in Borno State eliminated a terrorist on September 1 after detonating an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Miyanti–Banki Junction main supply route in Bama. Following the operation, soldiers recovered a rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator.
In a separate operation at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, another terrorist was killed during a gun battle, while troops recovered a rifle and ammunition from the scene.
Onoja also revealed that troops intercepted a fleeing terrorist around Sabsawa in Bama on August 31. The suspect reportedly escaped from a terrorist camp due to hunger and harsh living conditions.
He added that security forces arrested another suspect in Konduga, Borno State, for allegedly transporting food supplies intended for terrorists hiding in Bama.
The military also apprehended a suspected former terrorist fighter who allegedly became an informant for the group during an operation in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area, on September 1.
According to the DHQ spokesman, 21 women and children surrendered to troops in Mafa and Dikwa on September 2 after violent clashes between rival terrorist factions forced them to flee.
He further disclosed that another fleeing terrorist was intercepted near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza, while a suspected terrorist spy was arrested along the Kauwa–Kukawa Road.
Beyond the North-East, Onoja said troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified offensive operations against terrorists and kidnappers across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
He said the operations led to the elimination of two terrorist kingpins and the injury of another during a raid on identified terrorist hideouts in Kogo, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State on August 31.
The DHQ said the sustained military offensives are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, rescue victims and restore peace in troubled communities across the country.
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