By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian troops have neutralised no fewer than 31 terrorists and rescued several kidnapped victims in a series of coordinated counter-terrorism operations across the country between April 17 and April 23.

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

Onoja said troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded major successes in the North-East, including the neutralisation of 21 terrorists during a foiled attack at Kukareta along the Maiduguri–Damaturu Road in Yobe.

He added that troops also carried out ambushes and fighting patrols in Borno and Yobe, neutralising additional insurgents and recovering arms and ammunition.

According to him, nine captives who escaped from the Mandara Mountains were rescued by troops, while attempts by terrorists to recapture them were thwarted.

He said troops intercepted a suspected logistics supplier conveying fuel concealed in sachet water bags to terrorist locations.

In the North-West, Onoja said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted ambushes and clearance operations, neutralising terrorists, destroying camps and rescuing kidnapped victims in Kaduna and Zamfara states.

He added that troops also intercepted a suspected courier conveying Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials intended for terrorist elements.

“Similarly, troops of Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE in the North-Central carried out clearance operations.

“They arrested suspected terrorists and collaborators, and rescued several kidnapped victims,” he said.

Onoja said the troops also intercepted arms, ammunition and explosive materials, while dismantling terrorist camps and illegal hideouts.

In the South-East, he said the troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected members of proscribed groups and other criminal elements, including individuals linked to attacks on security personnel.

Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their resilience and professionalism. (NAN)