By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) say troops neutralised over 40 terrorists, rescued no fewer than 72 kidnapped victims, and recovered large caches of arms and illicit materials in nationwide operations between April 3 and April 9.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a weekly operational briefing on Friday in Abuja.

Onoja said troops also dismantled illegal refinery sites, foiled multiple attacks, and disrupted terrorist logistics networks across all theatres of operation.

In the North-East, he said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled coordinated terrorist advances in Borno, particularly around Dikwa and Benisheikh, using sustained artillery and mortar fire.

Onoja said an ambush operation in Gwoza led to the neutralisation of a terrorist and recovery of ammunition materials and logistics supplies.

He, however, confirmed that troops came under heavy attack in Benisheikh, resulting in the death of four personnel, including a Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. O.O Braimah.

In the North-West, Onoja said the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued 49 kidnapped victims, including infants, and arrested suspected collaborators linked to notorious kingpin Ado Aleiro.

He said troops also recovered arms and repelled attacks in Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna States, while responding swiftly to distress calls and preventing escalation of violence.

In the North-Central zone, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operation Enduring Peace neutralised several terrorists, including 10 in a major encounter in Plateau, and rescued 21 kidnapped victims during clearance operations.

He said troops destroyed terrorist camps, recovered weapons, and apprehended suspects linked to killings and cattle rustling in Benue and Plateau.

Onoja added that troops of Operation Savannah Shield repelled an attack in Kwara with no casualties, maintaining dominance across criminal enclaves.

In the South-East, Onoja said the troops of Operation Udo Ka recovered improvised explosive devices and arrested suspected IPOB/ESN collaborators in Abia and Anambra.

He said a joint operation with security agencies in Imo led to the neutralisation of a terrorist and destruction of a major camp.

In the South-South, he said the troops of Operation Delta Safe intercepted stolen petroleum products, dismantled illegal bunkering infrastructure, and recovered arms in Delta and Rivers.

Onoja said troops also rescued kidnapped victims and recovered ransom money during anti-kidnapping operations in Delta.

He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain intensified operations to degrade terrorist capabilities and safeguard lives and critical infrastructure nationwide.

The defence spokesman said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commiserated with families of fallen soldiers, assuring that their sacrifices would not be in vain.

According to him, ongoing operations will be intensified as a tribute to fallen heroes and to ensure lasting peace and security across the country. (NAN)

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