Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have intensified operations against terrorist and criminal groups across the country, eliminating more than 30 insurgents and rescuing several kidnapped victims during recent missions.
The update was provided by Michael Onoja during a weekly briefing in Abuja, where he outlined the military’s activities between March 7 and March 12.
According to him, troops involved in Operation HADIN KAI carried out several successful operations that disrupted terrorist movements and supply routes in Yobe State, Borno State, and Adamawa State.
During the operations, security forces reportedly arrested several individuals linked to terrorist networks, including those suspected of providing logistics support, collecting illegal levies, and supplying information to insurgents.
On March 9, troops recovered weapons after repelling attacks in Mafa Local Government Area and Jere Local Government Area.
The following day, coordinated assaults on military positions in Tuba and Doro Baga were successfully repelled.
In Goniri, soldiers thwarted a night attack and killed more than 20 terrorists, including a senior insurgent identified as Abu Yusu, described as the Munzir of Dursula. Weapons, improvised explosive devices, and ammunition were also recovered.
The operations also led to the rescue of abducted victims and the seizure of supplies meant for insurgent groups.
In Madagali Local Government Area and Maiha Local Government Area, troops responding to distress calls recovered 23 jerrycans of petrol believed to have been intended for terrorist activities.
Onoja added that since 2015, Operation HADIN KAI has recorded the surrender of over 122,000 insurgents, indicating sustained military pressure on terrorist groups.
In the North-West region, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out operations across Kaduna State, Katsina State, Kebbi State, Sokoto State, and Zamfara State.
These missions led to the rescue of abducted victims from the Mpape–Kuyeri forest area along the Abuja–Kaduna highway and the destruction of a terrorist base in Tangaza Local Government Area. Security forces also intercepted ammunition and recovered stolen cattle in nearby communities.
In the North-Central region, operations including Operation WHIRL STROKE, Operation ENDURING PEACE, and Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD targeted criminal groups across several states, including Kwara State, Niger State, Plateau State, Bauchi State, Benue State, Taraba State, Nasarawa State, and Kogi State.
These operations resulted in the killing of several criminals, recovery of weapons, and rescue of kidnapping victims. Some of the rescued victims were found in Edu Local Government Area and parts of Riyom and Mangu.
Meanwhile, in the South-South and South-East regions, troops involved in Operation DELTA SAFE and Operation UDO KA carried out operations targeting criminal and separatist networks, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
The operations led to the destruction of illegal oil refining sites in Egbema West, the neutralisation of suspected kidnappers in the Egoro Forest, and the removal of improvised explosive devices along roads in Orsu Local Government Area to improve safety for civilians.
Onoja emphasised that despite the challenges faced by security forces, the ongoing operations demonstrate the determination and professionalism of the military.
He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has praised members of the public for providing useful intelligence and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with other security agencies while ensuring the welfare of troops and restoring stability across the country.
