The Nigerian Army said its troops across different theatres have intensified operations against terrorists, with scores killed, 11 suspects arrested and 39 kidnapped victims rescued within the last 24 hours.
A source at the Army Headquarters in Abuja told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that the coordinated operations were conducted in the Northeast, North Central and Northwest.
According to the source, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) neutralised a terrorist and recovered arms in separate operations in Borno.
The troops, he said, also foiled planned attacks in Dikwa and Gubio councils while dismantling an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted along Baga–Cross Kauwa road in Kukawa Local Government Area.
The source added that troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA cleared hideouts in Kaduna and Katsina, recovered arms, and rescued a soldier who was abducted in Zamfara in July.
“Also, in Kogi, troops of 12 Brigade in collaboration with hybrid forces and vigilantes rescued 17 kidnap victims after trailing their abductors from an abandoned bus to a hideout in Adavi LGA.
“The victims were safely evacuated and given medical attention,” the source said.
The source further explained that troops of Operations Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke apprehended six suspects linked to kidnapping, cattle rustling and militia activities in Plateau and Benue.
He said the troops repelled an extremist attack on Nteng village in Quan-Pan LGA of Plateau, while also rescuing two kidnap victims in Benue.
“In Niger and Kogi States, troops arrested three suspected kidnappers and recovered cash, arms, ammunition and other items,” he added.
The source disclosed that troops of Joint Task Force South-South (OPDS) discovered and destroyed more than 5,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO in Bayelsa and Rivers during anti-bunkering raids.
He noted that the momentum of ongoing operations showed the military’s resolve to deny criminals freedom of action nationwide.
He said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had urged troops to remain on the offensive while calling on Nigerians to support them with timely and credible intelligence.