Troops rescue 36 abductees and neutralize terrorist kingpins in one week, Defence Headquarters says

Nigerian troops rescued 36 abducted people and neutralized several terrorists during operations across the country between Aug. 31 and Sept. 3, the Defence Headquarters said.

Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, director of Defence Media Operations, said the campaign targeted terrorists, kidnappers, arms traffickers, criminal networks and secessionist elements in several operational theatres. In Borno and Yobe, troops conducting Operation HADIN KAI killed fighters and disrupted logistics networks.

The military said one terrorist was killed after an improvised explosive device detonated along the Miyanti-Banki Junction supply route in Bama, Borno. Troops recovered a rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator. Another fighter was killed during a clash at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Yobe, where troops also recovered a rifle and ammunition.

The operations also produced arrests and surrenders. Troops intercepted a terrorist escapee near Sabsawa in Bama after he fled captivity because of hunger and hardship. They arrested a suspect in Konduga accused of transporting food intended for a terrorist enclave, as well as a suspected former fighter who had become an informant in Damasak, Mobbar. Several fighters, suspected logistics suppliers, informants and spies were also arrested or surrendered.

Onoja said 21 women and children surrendered at Mafa, Dikwa, on Sept. 2 after clashes between rival terrorist factions. Troops also intercepted another escapee near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza and arrested a suspected spy along the Kauwa-Kukawa Road.

In northwestern states, Operation FANSAN YAMMA targeted terrorists and kidnappers in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara. Troops killed two suspected terrorist kingpins and wounded another during a raid in Kogo, Matazu, Katsina, destroying two motorcycles. They later intercepted a vehicle in Kaduna carrying 793 rounds of ammunition hidden in a sack of grain, while a fleeing suspect was killed.

Troops also ambushed fighters on motorcycles in Zamfara, recovering an RPG launcher, a rifle and ammunition. The Defence Headquarters said six abducted victims were rescued in Kebbi and another 23 civilians, including three men and 20 women, were rescued near Wuya in Zamfara.