By Gloria Attah
The Nigerian Armed Forces say troops have intensified nationwide operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and oil theft, recording major successes across several states in recent days.
In a statement issued Friday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops neutralised several terrorists and kidnappers, rescued abducted civilians, recovered weapons and ammunition, and dismantled illegal arms manufacturing networks across the country.
According to the military, troops under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, carried out coordinated offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, and Yobe states.
In Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, troops reportedly killed four terrorists during a night ambush and recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition. Soldiers also rescued six women and children abducted during an earlier attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza LGA.
The military further disclosed that several suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers were arrested during separate operations in Yobe and Borno states, while some insurgents voluntarily surrendered to troops.
The defence spokesman said the surrender of some fighters indicates “the increasing erosion of morale within the remnants of the terrorists.”
In another operation in Damboa LGA of Borno State, troops cleared communities including Dusu, Multe, Hawan Burum, and Sabon Gari, killing two terrorists and capturing another suspect.
The Armed Forces also confirmed that troops repelled an attempted ISWAP attack on a military base in Magumeri, Borno State, on May 7.
“The terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base under poor visibility but were met with resistance from the troops, who decisively contained and defeated the assault,” Onoja stated.
Several terrorists were reportedly killed during the encounter, while troops recovered anti-aircraft guns and AK-47 rifles. Two soldiers, however, lost their lives during the operation.
In the North West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma recorded fresh successes against armed bandits in Katsina and Zamfara states.
The military said several terrorists were neutralised during patrols in Kankia, Kankara, and Dutsinma LGAs of Katsina State, with motorcycles, weapons, and mobile phones recovered from the suspects.
Operations in the North Central region also led to the rescue of kidnap victims and arrests of suspected criminals.
The military confirmed the rescue of the remaining victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Lokoja, Kogi State, nearly two weeks after gunmen attacked the facility and abducted dozens of children and adults.
Similarly, troops rescued four kidnap victims in Edu LGA of Kwara State following a distress call, while seven suspected kidnappers were arrested in Baruten LGA.
In Plateau State, troops raided illegal arms manufacturing sites in Jos South LGA, arresting five suspects and recovering fabricated AK-47 rifles, pistols, and weapon-making equipment.
The military described the operation as one of the most significant breakthroughs recorded during the period under review.
Meanwhile, operations in the South East led to the arrest of a suspected IPOB/ESN gunrunner in Abia State who was allegedly found with illegal Biafran currency notes.
Speaking on the broader security situation, General Onoja said the Armed Forces remain committed to restoring peace across the country.
“The evidence is clear: across every geopolitical zone, the Nigerian military is on the march. Communities that were once abandoned to the mercy of criminals are being reclaimed,” he said.
He added that the Armed Forces “will not stand down until every Nigerian can live freely, safely, and with dignity in the land of their birth.”
