Troops rescue 59 kidnapped victims, kill scores of terrorists in 1 week

Nigerian troops conducted a successful week of operations nationwide, rescuing at least 59 kidnapped individuals and neutralizing 11 terrorists. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reported these successes between August 14 and August 20, highlighting significant gains across multiple regions.

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troops rescued eight kidnapped victims during the week in the North East.

In the North East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI rescued eight victims and neutralized three terrorists. Further operations in Bauchi and along the Gwoza-Cameroon axis led to the rescue of additional victims, including a Cameroonian national. This region also saw 47 terrorist family members and six fighters surrender to troops in Borno.

The North-West operations, particularly Operation FANSAN YAMMA, were highly effective, rescuing 28 abducted persons across Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto states. Troops also neutralized four terrorists, arrested an explosives courier, and apprehended suspected informants linked to high-profile abductions. Recovered items included weapons, ammunition, and motorcycles.

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troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 28 abducted persons across Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states between Aug. 17 and Aug. 19.

In the North-Central, Operation WHIRL STROKE compelled kidnappers to release 13 victims in Kogi state. Troops also neutralized two criminals and arrested an arms courier in Taraba and Benue states. Operations in Plateau recovered firearms, while in Kwara, one terrorist was neutralized and seven kidnap victims were rescued.

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troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE compelled kidnappers to release 13 victims, comprising two men, five women and six children, in Kogi state.

The South-South saw Operation DELTA SAFE arrest suspected kidnappers and an arms trafficker, recovering pistols and ammunition. The operation also disrupted three illegal refining sites in Rivers, seizing a significant quantity of suspected illegally refined fuel. In the South-East, Operation UDO KA dismantled secessionist camps and cleared improvised explosive devices in Imo, Anambra, and Abia states, also dismantling an illegal bunkering site.

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troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD neutralised one terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, while seven kidnap victims were rescued during a night patrol in Patigi Local Government Area.