Military Kills Over 30 Terrorists, Rescues Dozens of Kidnap Victims — DHQ

Military Kills Over 30 Terrorists, Rescues Dozens of Kidnap Victims — DHQ

Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified nationwide offensives against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups, killing over 30 terrorists including high-value targets and rescuing dozens of abducted victims during coordinated operations across several regions of the country.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed that the operations were conducted between March 7 and March 12, as troops sustained pressure on insurgent and criminal networks in the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, revealed the details during a weekly operational briefing in Abuja, highlighting significant gains recorded by troops in multiple theatres of operation.

Operations in North-East

According to the military, troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully disrupted terrorist movements and cut off critical logistics routes used by insurgents across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

Onoja said troops also arrested several terrorist collaborators, including logistics suppliers, tax collectors and informants, weakening the support networks of the insurgents.

He said that on March 9, troops recovered an arms cache after repelling attacks in Mafa and Jere Local Government Areas of Borno State.

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“The following day, simultaneous assaults on Forward Operating Bases (FOB) Tuba and Doro Baga were decisively thwarted,” he said.

“In Goniri, Yobe State, troops repelled a multi-directional night attack, neutralising more than 20 terrorists, including Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula, while recovering weapons, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ammunition.

“Troops also rescued kidnapped victims and seized supplies meant for insurgents,” Onoja added.

In Adamawa State, the military said swift responses to distress calls in Madagali and Maiha Local Government Areas led to the interception of 23 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) believed to be intended for terrorist operations.

The DHQ further revealed that since 2015, sustained military pressure under Operation HADIN KAI has resulted in the surrender of 122,843 insurgents, including fighters and their family members.

Operations in North-West

In the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted offensive operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states targeting bandit groups and terrorist enclaves.

The operations led to the rescue of abducted victims from Mpape-Kuyeri Forest along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, while troops also destroyed a terrorist hideout in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Security forces additionally intercepted ammunition and recovered rustled cattle in Gudu and Dagozawa villages, disrupting criminal supply chains.

Operations in North-Central

Onoja said troops under Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE sustained pressure on armed groups across Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and Kogi states.

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The operations led to the neutralisation of terrorists, recovery of arms and rescue of kidnapped victims in several communities.

Notable successes included the rescue of multiple victims in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, Riyom and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State, and the interception of explosives in Bauchi State.

Operations in South-South and South-East

In the South-South and South-East, troops of Operations DELTA SAFE and UDO KA targeted criminal and separatist networks, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The operations resulted in the dismantling of illegal oil refining sites in Egbema West Local Government Area of Imo State, a key step in curbing oil theft and economic sabotage.

Troops also neutralised suspected kidnappers in Egoro Forest in Edo State, while improvised explosive devices planted along contested routes in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State were successfully disarmed, improving security and civilian movement.

Military Reaffirms Commitment

Onoja said the successes recorded across the theatres of operation reflected the courage, professionalism and resilience of Nigerian troops despite operational challenges.

He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended citizens for providing timely intelligence that supports military operations.

The defence chief also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to troop welfare, collaboration with other security agencies and restoring lasting peace and stability across Nigeria.

Military Kills Over 30 Terrorists, Rescues Dozens of Kidnap Victims — DHQ