Nigerian troops have rescued 372 kidnapped civilians across Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, and Sokoto states in a series of coordinated counter-terrorism operations, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ). The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the rescue figure during a weekly press briefing in Abuja on ongoing military operations across the country.
In the North-East, troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI intensified operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements in Borno State, neutralising several terrorists and rescuing 3 kidnapped victims in Damboa, Askira/Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Gwoza and Biu Local Government Areas. The operations targeted known insurgent hideouts, with troops eliminating scores of terrorists and arresting seven suspects in collaboration with local security forces.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops carried out offensives across Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi and Sokoto States, leading to the arrest of nine terrorists and the rescue of 26 kidnapped victims during raids in the region. Troops under Operation Hadarin Daji also rescued 33 kidnapped civilians and arrested eight terrorists during raids in Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto States.
In the North Central, Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State neutralised several terrorists, arrested three suspects and freed 6 abducted persons during operations in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State, as well as Kaura and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN also responded to multiple distress calls in Plateau and Kaduna States, killing several extremists and rescuing additional kidnapped victims.
Across all operations, troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 114 suspects, and rescued 386 kidnapped victims in the quarter, with weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles recovered from the criminals. The military also intercepted 802 bags of granular ammonium sulphate at a checkpoint in Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi State, preventing the material from being used for terrorist activities.
The successful rescues demonstrate the armed forces’ continued commitment to flushing out terrorists from their hideouts and restoring security in affected communities across northern Nigeria. The Defence Headquarters has urged members of the public to continue providing intelligence tips to security agencies to further enhance counter-terrorism efforts nationwide.
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