By Harriet Tornguvan
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has sustained a series of coordinated offensives across the country, recording significant gains in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, crude oil theft and other criminal activities.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who said the operations reflected the professionalism, resilience and synergy among troops, other security agencies and local collaborators providing actionable intelligence.
According to the statement, troops across various theatres maintained operational dominance through aggressive clearance patrols, targeted raids and precision air strikes, leading to the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims and recovery of arms, ammunition and other contraband items.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained intense offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS elements, significantly degrading their operational capabilities and disrupting logistics networks. Notably, troops repelled a terrorist attack in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several insurgents and recovering weapons.
Further operations across Borno and Yobe States led to the arrest of suspected logistics suppliers, informants and a terrorist spy, while coordinated attacks by ISWAP fighters in multiple locations, including Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai and Damboa, were successfully repelled with support from the Air Component.
In a major breakthrough, troops foiled a complex drone assisted attack in Mallam Fatori, Abadam LGA of Borno State, killing scores of insurgents, including senior commanders. Subsequent operations uncovered 74 terrorist bodies and a cache of arms, including 38 AK-47 rifles, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers.
Similarly, in Taraba State, troops intercepted two suspected gunrunners along the Wukari Ikyaior road, recovering ammunition, cash and motorcycles.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops recorded major successes across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto and Kebbi States. Troops neutralised terrorists in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State and rescued four kidnapped victims in Katsina.
They also thwarted a kidnap attempt on a cleric in Kaduna State, while intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of several suspects and collaborators. In a related development, security operatives intercepted a female ammunition courier in Kano with 884 rounds of ammunition.
Troops also repelled attacks in Kaduna and Kebbi States, forcing terrorists to flee, while follow-up operations led to further arrests and recovery of weapons.
In the North-Central region, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD troops intensified operations in Kwara and Niger States, arresting suspects involved in supplying logistics to terrorists. Two suspected ISWAP collaborators were also apprehended, providing useful intelligence for ongoing operations.
Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops operating in Plateau, Benue and Kaduna States recorded multiple successes, including the rescue of kidnapped victims in Plateau and Benue States, and the arrest of suspected criminals in Jos North and Barkin Ladi areas.
Troops also dismantled an illegal mining site along the Chaza Izom axis extending into the Federal Capital Territory, arresting eight suspects.
Meanwhile, Operation WHIRL STROKE troops in Benue and Nasarawa States responded swiftly to militia attacks, arresting suspects and recovering firearms and motorcycles. A suspected gunrunner was also apprehended in Nasarawa with a cache of ammunition.
In the South-South region, Operation DELTA SAFE recorded breakthroughs against oil theft, kidnapping and drug trafficking. Joint operations in Bayelsa, Delta and Cross River States led to the arrest of suspects, recovery of illegal weapons and dismantling of illegal oil refining sites.
Troops also rescued kidnapped victims in Delta State and intercepted large quantities of illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers and Delta States.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, repelled attacks by criminal elements in Imo State, neutralised IED specialists and recovered explosives and weapons. Additional operations in Ebonyi and Cross River States led to arrests and recovery of arms and illicit items.
The Defence Headquarters noted that the successes recorded across all theatres underscore the AFN’s commitment to safeguarding national security and protecting civilians despite operational challenges.
It reaffirmed that ongoing operations would be intensified to eliminate remaining threats, while emphasising continued collaboration with other security agencies and local communities.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their dedication and paid tribute to fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in defence of the nation.
He also assured Nigerians of the military’s adherence to international humanitarian laws and rules of engagement, while calling for sustained public support in ongoing operations.
The AFN further extended condolences to victims of recent security incidents in the North-East and urged Nigerians to uphold unity, peace and cooperation as the nation continues efforts to restore lasting stability.
