By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Defence Headquarters says troops of the Armed Forces have in the last one week neutralised scores of terrorists, apprehended 38 suspects and rescued over 50 kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across the country.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Onoja said the operations under multiple Joint Task Forces led to the recovery of automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials, live cartridges and assorted ammunition.

In the North-East, he said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) conducted intelligence-driven operations across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, targeting Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

According to him, troops conducted operations in Bama, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Guzamala, Jere, Konduga, Mafa, Mobbar, Damaturu, Gombi and Maiha Local Government Areas.

“The operations resulted in dozens of terrorists neutralised, eight arrests, 11 kidnapped victims rescued, and recovery of weapons and logistics.

“Troops also ambushed terrorists at Komala Village, Jere Local Government Area, neutralising several fighters and seizing motorcycles, weapons and household items.

“Air Component operations tracked and neutralised terrorists in Chongolo Kura, Bama LGA, and Abbagajere Village, Damboa LGA, destroying their living structures,” he said.

In the North-West, Onoja said the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) neutralised multiple terrorists, rescued two kidnapped victims, and recovered weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock in Zamfara, Kano and Katsina states.

In the North-Central, he said the troops of Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE dislodging terrorists from hideouts, in operations across Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba and Kogi states,

According to him, 16 suspects were apprehended, 26 kidnapped victims rescued, and seizing arms, ammunition and motorcycles.

“In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft, destroyed nine illegal refining sites, arrested 11 suspects, and recovered arms and ammunition in Rivers and Bayelsa states.

“In the South-East, Operation UDO KA conducted cordon and search operations across Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Enugu, and Imo, arresting eight terrorists and recovering arms and ammunition,” he added.

Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had commended troops for their courage and resilience, assuring Nigerians of sustained operations, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and continued efforts to secure peace nationwide. (NAN)

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