Military Operations Lead to Significant Counter-Terrorism Successes
The Defense Headquarters reported a notable success in its ongoing military operations, announcing the neutralization of at least 216 terrorists and the arrest of 284 suspects throughout April. These coordinated efforts were executed across various regions of the country.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defense Media Operations, provided these updates during a press briefing in Abuja. He highlighted the military’s achievements in rescuing kidnapped civilians, dismantling terrorist enclaves, and disrupting logistics networks vital to criminal activities across six geopolitical zones.
These operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and supported by local communities. Onoja emphasized that these joint efforts have significantly weakened the operational capabilities of insurgent and criminal factions within the country.
In the Northeast, troops from Operation Hadin Kai maintained their offensive against Boko Haram and ISWAP militants in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. During this period, 136 terrorists were neutralized, 114 suspects arrested, and nine rebels along with their families surrendered. Noteworthy missions included the rescue of 90 captives in the Mandara Mountains and the foiling of a major terrorist assault that resulted in 21 militants being killed, along with the recovery of various weapons.
In the ongoing efforts in the Northwest, Operation Funsan Yamma has successfully neutralized 24 terrorists, apprehended two suspects, and rescued 70 kidnapping victims across the states of Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. These troops have also been effective in dismantling terrorist camps, rescuing kidnapped worshippers, and intercepting suspects with improvised explosive devices.
Turning to the North-Central region, the military action under Operation Savannah Shield has yielded significant outcomes in Niger and surrounding states. During this operation, 21 terrorists were neutralized, 17 suspects arrested, and 10 kidnapping victims rescued. The military also destroyed several criminal encampments, recovered weapons, and repelled attacks on communities without suffering any casualties among its personnel.
Moreover, the Defense Spokesman reported successes for Operation WHIRL STROKE, where 18 terrorists were neutralized, four suspects apprehended, and 53 kidnapped victims rescued across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states. The operation also successfully recovered an eight million naira ransom from kidnappers, returning it to the victims, with further arrests facilitated by drone-assisted surveillance.
Onoja further elaborated that joint task force operations in Plateau, Kogi, and surrounding areas led to the neutralization of 14 terrorists, the arrest of 40 suspects, and the rescue of 35 victims. He reassured the Nigerian populace that the military would persist in its offensive against terrorism and criminality, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
He concluded by stating that the armed forces will remain determined and will intensify operations to achieve lasting peace and security throughout the country.
