The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescued more than 40 kidnapped victims and apprehended over 20 suspected terrorists, collaborators, and criminals during coordinated operations between 10 and 16 July.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, confirmed the successes in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, adding that troops neutralised numerous terrorists and dismantled extensive criminal networks across multiple theatres.
The operations, conducted in synergy with other security agencies and local vigilantes, spanned Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, Delta Safe, and Udo Ka.
North-East
In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP factions, forcing ten terrorist family members to surrender. Troops arrested six suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators, rescued 13 abductees, and foiled infiltration attempts near Maiduguri. A suspected foreign spy was also apprehended at Mallam Fatori in Borno.
North-West & North-Central
In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma operatives killed three terrorists, rescued 14 kidnapped victims, and repelled multiple community attacks in Zamfara and Kebbi. Operation Savannah Shield freed four abductees in Niger and Kwara, while forest guards in Kwara neutralised a suspect and recovered an AK-47 rifle and Dane gun.
Further south, Operation Enduring Peace intercepted arms traffickers in Kaduna, arrested wanted criminals in Plateau, and rescued four victims from highway attacks. Operation Whirl Stroke arrested an ammunition courier in Nasarawa and four terrorist collaborators in Kogi, where troops also rescued a school principal, a NECO official, and two students after sustained pressure forced their abductors to abandon them.
South-South & South-East
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed illegal refining sites in Rivers, while personnel in Edo killed two suspected kidnappers, recovered three rifles, and rescued three abductees. In the South-East, Operation UDO KA arrested members of a proscribed secessionist group and rescued two victims along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway.
CDS Commendation
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage, and intelligence-led collaboration—particularly praising the unconditional rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State, who were freed after 56 days in captivity without any concession to their captors.
The CDS urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military with timely and credible intelligence, assuring the public that ongoing operations will be sustained until peace and stability are fully restored nationwide.