The Nigerian military has intensified operations across the northern region to restore peace permanently. According to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, the operations covered multiple theatres across the country, resulting in the rescue of over 70 abducted and kidnapped victims. The military also arrested a wanted terrorist kingpin and recovered weapons and ammunition.
In Katsina State, troops responded to a distress call on October 16, engaging terrorists who had abducted 27 residents from Gamji community in Sabuwa Local Government Area. The troops overpowered the attackers, forcing them to flee and abandon the victims, who were subsequently handed over to the village head after profiling. Similarly, in Niger State, troops rescued 29 farmers who fled into nearby bushes when terrorists attempted to abduct them at Magaji Mai Kadarko village.
The military also recorded a major arrest in Mokwa town, Niger State, where troops apprehended a wanted terrorist kingpin and his accomplice on October 18. Four mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash were recovered, while efforts continued to arrest other identified accomplices. In Kano State, troops tracked kidnappers to Yan Taburmi in Falgore Forest, neutralising two suspects and rescuing their victim.
In the North East geopolitical zone, particularly in Yobe and Borno, troops sustained offensive operations against terrorists, consolidating gains from recent engagements. Following a terrorist attack on troops' location at Mairari in Guzamala LGA of Borno State, troops conducted clearance operations, capturing eight AK-47 rifles and other equipment.
Major-General Onoja disclosed that efforts are ongoing to rescue remaining victims. In Borno State, troops intercepted a resident of Monguno LGA who had escaped after being kidnapped alongside 11 others. The senior military officer maintained that troops also arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators at Benisheikh Market in Kaga LGA of Borno State.
Between October 16 and 22, 19 terrorist fighters and family members surrendered to, or were intercepted by, troops in Bama, Konduga, Mafa and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State, citing hunger, hardship and violent clashes between rival terrorist factions as reasons for fleeing. Troops also arrested a female collaborator at Ngurusoye in Bama LGA of Borno State while escorting a woman to a terrorist enclave.
Meanwhile, troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, neutralised eight suspected armed terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims in coordinated operations conducted in Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara States. The operations also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and other equipment from the terrorists.
Key points
- The Nigerian military has rescued over 70 abducted and kidnapped victims in nationwide operations.
- A wanted terrorist kingpin was arrested in Niger State, and efforts continued to arrest other identified accomplices.
- Troops sustained offensive operations against terrorists in Yobe and Borno States, consolidating gains from recent engagements.
