By Chimezie Godfrey
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that troops rescued no fewer than 318 kidnap victims and eliminated scores of terrorists across various theatres of operation in November.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made the disclosure while briefing journalists on Thursday in Abuja.
Maj-Gen.Onoja revealed that the troops carried out clearance operations, intelligence-led raids, as well as targeted air and maritime strikes across the North East, North West, North Central, South East, and South South regions.
According to him, the operations led to the killing of numerous terrorists and bandits, while 69 criminal elements and their family members surrendered voluntarily.
“In a major boost to security, 318 kidnap victims were rescued, and oil theft worth over N217.6 million was foiled, with 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO recovered. 16 illegal refining sites were deactivated during the operations.
“North East – Operation HADIN KAI saw troops eliminate several terrorists, arrest six collaborators, and rescue five kidnap victims in Borno and Adamawa states.
“Air support missions reinforced ground operations, destroying terrorist camps.
“North West – Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded the neutralisation of multiple terrorists, 13 arrests, and nine rescued victims across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, and Kebbi states.
“Air interdictions destroyed enemy logistics and hideouts,” he said.
Onoja added that troops of Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE apprehended 32 suspects, neutralised multiple extremists, rescued 20 kidnap victims, and recovered arms and vehicles in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi states, as well as the FCT.
In the South-South, he said troops under Operation DELTA SAFE thwarted oil theft worth N12.12 million, destroyed four illegal refining sites, and arrested 25 oil thieves.
In the South East, Onoja said troops of Operation UDOKA neutralised several terrorists, arrested four suspects, rescued four kidnap victims, and destroyed terrorist camps and logistics.
He commended the troops for their professionalism and urged citizens to continue to provide credible intelligence to aid military operations.
He also called on Nigerians to support veterans through the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched on Tuesday.
Troops Rescues 318 Kidnap Victims, Kills Scores of Terrorists in November Operations
