By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Defence Headquarters says troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have neutralised several terrorists and rescued no fewer than 179 kidnapped victims between May 25 and 28.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja, highlighted sustained military pressure across various theatres of operation.

Onoja said troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded major breakthroughs in the North-East, including the neutralisation of terrorists in Taraba and Borno, as well as the arrest of a suspected collaborator in Monguno.

He also said that the sustained offensives, triggered fresh surrenders, with a family member of a terrorist fleeing the Kimbe enclave in Borno due to mounting pressure.

He further said that troops also repelled a massing of terrorists along the Bam-Buratai axis, neutralising five fighters, while four others were eliminated during an ambush in Yobe.

He said that in the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma apprehended suspects linked to terrorist groups in Kebbi and Zamfara states, while also killing three terrorists in separate encounters.

He added that troops also rescued 31 kidnapped victims in Zamfara following an air interdiction by the Nigerian Air Force.

Onoja disclosed that troops under Operation Savannah Shield recorded a major humanitarian success with the release of 148 kidnapped victims, mostly women and children, in Niger.

He also said that in Kaduna State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace, foiled attacks, rescued victims, and neutralised a notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Idi Yaya.

“Similarly, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue intensified crackdowns on drug networks, recovering over 500 illicit substances and arresting suspects linked to distribution syndicates.

“In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe, in collaboration with other security agencies, carried out clearance and ambush operations in Edo, leading to the arrest of suspects and neutralisation of a kidnapper.

“Meanwhile, in the South-East, Operation Udo Ka troops arrested suspected IPOB/ESN kingpins in Ebonyi and foiled an attempted abduction of farmers in Abia,” he said.

The defence headquarters spokesman, quoted the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, as commended the troops for their courage while reaffirming the military’s commitment to ending insecurity in the country.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in restoring peace and safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation,” he said.

He urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, assuring that all information would be treated with confidentiality.(NAN)

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