Military Rescues 318 Kidnap Victims, Crushes Terror Cells In Major Nationwide Operations

Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting

THE Defence Headquarters has announced that troops rescued at least 318 kidnap victims and eliminated numerous terrorists during extensive operations across the country in November.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known on Thursday in Abuja during the monthly briefing on ongoing military activities by the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He said the military remained committed to ensuring peace, security and freedom from fear in all parts of the country, noting that significant progress had been made despite persistent challenges.

Maj.-Gen. Onoja revealed that troops conducted clearance operations, intelligence-led raids, and targeted air and maritime strikes across all six geopolitical zones — the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-East, South-South, and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, scores of terrorists and bandits were neutralised, while 69 criminal elements and their family members surrendered to the troops.

“In a major boost to security, 318 kidnap victims were rescued, and oil theft worth over ₦217.6 million was prevented. A total of 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of Automotive Gas Oil were recovered, while 16 illegal refining sites were dismantled during the operations,” he said.

Providing further details, Maj.-Gen. Onoja stated:

North-East (Operation HADIN KAI): Several terrorists were eliminated, six collaborators arrested, and five kidnap victims rescued in Borno and Adamawa States. Air missions also destroyed terrorist camps.

North-West (Operation FANSAN YAMMA): Multiple terrorists were neutralised, 13 suspects arrested, and nine victims rescued across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, and Kebbi States, with successful air interdictions crippling enemy logistics.

North-Central (Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE): Troops arrested 32 suspects, neutralised extremists, rescued 20 kidnap victims and recovered arms and vehicles in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi States and the FCT.

South-South (Operation DELTA SAFE): Oil theft worth ₦12.12 million was thwarted, four illegal refining sites destroyed, and 25 suspects arrested.

South-East (Operation UDOKA): Several terrorists were neutralised, four suspects arrested, four kidnap victims rescued, and criminal hideouts destroyed.

Maj.-Gen. Onoja commended the troops for their professionalism and urged the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support military operations.

He also encouraged Nigerians to honour and support military veterans through the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched on Tuesday.