By Harriet Tornguvan
The Defence Headquarters has reported major operational breakthroughs across the country in the month of November, with troops neutralising terrorists, dismantling criminal networks, arresting dozens of suspects, and rescuing 318 kidnap victims in multiple coordinated missions.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during the monthly military briefing in Abuja, noting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), in collaboration with other security agencies, sustained aggressive operations despite persistent security challenges nationwide.
According to him, “several terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminal elements were neutralised, many arrested, while 69 fighters and family members surrendered to troops.”
He further revealed that the month’s operations led to the recovery of large quantities of arms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, and other logistics, in addition to significant successes in the fight against oil theft.
Troops foiled oil bunkering operations valued at N217.6 million, recovering over 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO, while 16 illegal refining sites were destroyed.
Troops intensified clearance in the North East operation Hadin Kai operations across Borno and Adamawa States, targeting Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS fighters. Between November 27 and December 3, coordinated assaults were conducted in Mafa, Ngala, Konduga, Bama, Askira Uba, Chibok, Madagali and Song.
Scores of terrorists were eliminated, six informants arrested, and five kidnap victims rescued. Troops also recovered weapons, vehicles and motorcycles, and destroyed several hideouts. The Air Component sustained close air support missions in Dikwa, New Marte and Gajibo, significantly enhancing ground operations.
Operations across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and Kebbi States under operation Fansan Yamma in the North West resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists and arrest of 13 suspects. Nine kidnapped victims were freed, while weapons, livestock, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered.
Air interdiction strikes on terrorist enclaves in Kankara and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State destroyed camps and inflicted heavy casualties on the groups.
Responding to multiple distress calls, in the North Central troops under operation Enduring Peace conducted raids and precision operations in Plateau and Kaduna States between November 27 and 29. Several extremists were neutralised, 16 suspects apprehended and 10 kidnap victims rescued. Troops recovered arms, ammunition, vehicles and seized motorcycles used for attacks.
In the North Central under operation Whirl Stroke troops extended operations across Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi States and parts of the FCT. Cordon-and-search missions neutralised extremists and dismantled criminal structures. Twenty suspects were arrested and 20 kidnap victims rescued between November 27 and December 3. Weapons, vehicles and livestock were also recovered.
Reporting from the South South in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Imo States Operation Delta Safe, troops disrupted oil theft operations worth over N12.1 million, recovering 11,850 litres of stolen crude oil and 540 litres of AGO. Four illegal refineries were shut down, and 25 suspects arrested.
Further raids between November 27 and 29 resulted in the neutralisation of armed criminals and recovery of additional weapons and ammunition.
Inclusive from South East, Operation Udo Ka, troops maintained pressure in Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Cross River States, neutralising several terrorists and arresting four suspects. Four kidnap victims were rescued, while weapons, vehicles and IED-making materials were seized.
Air interdiction operations between November 28 and December 2 targeted camps in Ezeagu LGA, destroying hideouts and eliminating more fighters.
Major General Onoja commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, urging the public to continue providing credible information to enhance ongoing counterterrorism operations. He also encouraged Nigerians to support the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched by the President on 2 December.
He assured citizens that the military is intensifying efforts to address emerging security threats and remains committed to securing the safe return of students recently abducted in another incident.
