By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded significant operational successes across the country in July, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, arresting criminal elements and disrupting economic sabotage activities in various theatres of operation. The achievements were highlighted during the monthly operational briefing by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
Major General Onoja said the operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders, were aimed at protecting lives, property and Nigeria’s territorial integrity. According to him, troops recorded notable successes against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, militias and economic saboteurs across the six geopolitical zones.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained offensive operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Bauchi states. During the month, troops neutralised 54 terrorists, arrested 102 suspects, rescued 102 kidnapped victims and facilitated the surrender of 57 insurgents and their family members. A major breakthrough was recorded with the elimination of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, a senior ISWAP commander and propaganda chief, during a failed terrorist attack in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military also intensified efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics networks through arrests and seizures of supplies, vehicles, weapons and ammunition. Among those apprehended were a foreign fighter from Sudan, an illegal immigrant from Ghana and several logistics suppliers linked to terrorist groups. Troops also recovered ransom money and rescued abductees during operations in Borno and Yobe states.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded the rescue of 191 kidnapped victims, neutralised 33 terrorists and arrested 66 others across Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi states. Troops foiled multiple kidnap attempts, recovered arms and motorcycles, and dismantled criminal networks operating in the region.
One of the highlights of the operations was the rescue of the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Dr Aminu Yusuf, members of his family and several other civilians during separate anti-kidnapping operations in Zamfara and Sokoto states. Troops also rescued passengers abducted along the Kano-Kaduna corridor and prevented attacks on communities through swift intervention and superior firepower.
In the North-Central region, troops under Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE maintained pressure on kidnappers, armed robbers and militia groups. Combined operations led to the rescue of scores of victims, the neutralisation of criminal elements and the arrest of more than 140 suspects across Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
Among the major achievements was the neutralisation of a notorious terrorist kingpin known as Puuga in Benue State and the destruction of several criminal hideouts. Troops also rescued school officials, students, farmers and other civilians abducted during separate incidents while recovering weapons and ammunition from criminal camps.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified efforts against crude oil theft, illegal refining and kidnapping. Troops dismantled 18 illegal refining sites, recovered more than 250,500 litres of petroleum products and rescued 37 civilians from sea pirates and kidnappers. Several suspects linked to kidnapping and oil theft were arrested in Edo, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.
Similarly, troops of Operation UDO KA in the South-East sustained operations against criminal gangs, gunrunners and separatist-linked elements. The operation resulted in the arrest of 26 suspects, the rescue of 10 civilians and the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other items used for criminal activities across Abia, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states.
The Air Component of the Armed Forces also played a critical role in supporting ground operations through intelligence gathering, armed reconnaissance and precision air strikes. Air operations in Niger State disrupted terrorist movements, enabled kidnapped victims to escape and neutralised several terrorists threatening communities and military positions.
Major General Onoja further disclosed that the military strengthened its Civil-Military Cooperation initiatives during the month. Troops mediated disputes between oil companies and host communities in the Niger Delta, supported cholera response efforts in Borno State and executed several community development projects, including boreholes, town halls, school renovations and rural electrification projects.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to sustaining offensive operations against all threats to national security while promoting peace, stability and development across the country. According to him, the military will continue to work closely with other security agencies and communities to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria.
