The Defence Headquarters says troops rescued at least 50 kidnapped people, killed 36 terrorists, and arrested several suspected terrorists and their collaborators during operations across Nigeria from 2 to 8 October.
Major General Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, shared this in a statement on Saturday about military actions during that week.
He mentioned that the troops had significant successes in different areas, including stopping an ISWAP attack in Kukawa, Borno, rescuing 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo, and eliminating a senior ISWAP commander in Ondo.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed 26 terrorists during battles in Borno and Yobe. This includes 25 terrorists who tried to enter Kukawa town.
According to him, the troops also saved several abducted victims, including three people who had been held for seven years. They arrested suspected terrorist collaborators and smugglers in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa.
In the North-west, Major General Onoja said that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma killed 10 Lakurawa terrorists during a clash with a large group of fighters in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
He noted that troops recovered 17 motorcycles, a machine gun, an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a communication device during this operation.
“They also rescued 18 kidnap victims in Katsina and a seven-year-old boy taken in Kaduna, while arresting suspected terrorists and their collaborators,” he said.
In the South-east, troops of Operation Udo Ka rescued 20 prospective corps members who were kidnapped along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo. They also found a local woman who was taken while going to the market.
The victims were saved at Ndegwu Community in Owerri West LGA after consistent efforts by troops and other security agencies, he added.
The defence spokesperson said a joint security team killed Abdussamad Ohida, a senior ISWAP commander, in Owo forest, Ondo State, on 2 October.
He explained that Ohida was the deputy to the ISWAP Central Nigeria leader and took over leadership after the leader was arrested by the State Security Services in 2023.
Investigations showed that the commander was planning major attacks on citizens in some southern states ahead of the upcoming festive season.
In the North-central, Major General Onoja said troops of Operation Savannah Shield arrested a wanted terrorist in Niger State and rescued three people who escaped from their abductors in a forest in Kwara State.
He added that troops of Operation Enduring Peace also arrested two suspected kidnappers in Kaduna, while Operation Whirl Stroke seized illegal firearms and ammunition during raids in Taraba State.
In the South-south, Major General Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered three illegal refinery sites in Rivers and recovered about 2,500 litres of suspected stolen Premium Motor Spirit.
He said these successes show the military’s ongoing efforts to break up terrorist networks, rescue kidnapped citizens, and disrupt criminal activities.
Major General Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, praised the troops for their bravery and professionalism. He urged them to stay alert as the festive season approaches.
He also called for better teamwork among security agencies and encouraged community leaders and citizens to report anyone helping terrorists and other criminal groups.
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