By SUMAILA OGBAJE_

No fewer than 17 terrorists surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in Borno as the military intensified operations against terrorism, kidnapping and criminality nationwide.

This is contained in a weekly operational briefing by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, on Friday, covering Sept. 4 to Sept. 10.

Onoja said the operations also disrupted terrorist logistics networks, intercepted 300 rounds of ammunition and rescued victims of kidnapping across several theatres.

Onoja said the 17 terrorist fighters and their family members surrendered in Monguno and along the Gwoza-Limankara road in Borno between Sept. 4 and Sept. 7.

He said the defectors cited harsh living conditions, hunger and lack of basic provisions in terrorist enclaves on the Mandara Mountains as reasons for abandoning the groups.

According to him, troops also rescued a female abductee and her one-year-old child near Gava, Gwoza Local Government Area, on Sept. 8.

He said the woman, an indigene of Chinene, reportedly disclosed that her captors forced her into child marriage in 2025.

Onoja said troops also arrested suspected terrorist fighters, informants and spies across the theatre during the period.

He said troops disrupted terrorist logistics networks through arrests and recovery of medical supplies, pharmaceuticals and motorcycle spare parts.

“On Sept. 5, troops arrested a suspected logistics supplier in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, Borno, with medical and veterinary supplies allegedly intended for a terrorist kingpin.

“Three suspects disguised as farmers and hunters were also arrested in Mafa, Dikwa Local Government Area, on Sept. 6, with pharmaceuticals and motorcycle spare parts allegedly procured with terrorist funds.

“Troops further arrested two suspected logistics suppliers at Gumsa Bridge, Geidam Local Government Area, Yobe, on Sept. 8, recovering a large consignment of motorcycle spare parts,” he said.

In the North West, Onoja said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensive operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

He said troops, supported by an attack helicopter, assaulted a suspected hideout of a terrorist kingpin at Yantumaki Forest, Danmusa Local Government Area, Katsina, on Sept. 4.

According to him, one terrorist was neutralised during the operation, while others fled, abandoning motorcycles and medical supplies.

“In Sokoto, troops engaged terrorists at Magarya Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area, on Sept. 5 and recovered two motorcycles, a rifle and a machine gun.

“Troops also engaged marauding terrorists along Gundumi Road, Isa Local Government Area, on Sept. 6, forcing them into Gundumi Forest and recovering a rifle.

“In Zamfara, troops foiled an attempted abduction at Yerima Quarters, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, on Sept. 9.

“The troops responded to a distress call and forced the terrorists to abandon their mission before fleeing the area,” he said.

Onoja said troops also intercepted a truck along the Gurbi-Zurmi road in Jibia, Katsina, on Sept. 6, recovering four motorcycles concealed among fuel and oil consignments.

According to him, follow-up operations led to the arrest of 12 suspects, while troops also arrested a suspected spy at Dange Market, Sokoto, on Sept. 8.

The defence spokesman said troops had on Sept. 9, arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna, and recovered radio equipment linked to a reprisal attack on locals.

“On Sept. 10, troops intercepted a suspected ammunition courier along the Birnin Gwari axis and recovered 300 rounds of ammunition concealed in her belongings.

“Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a fighting patrol near Dekara village, Borgu Local Government Area, Niger.

“The weapon was believed to have been abandoned by terrorists who attacked the troops’ location on Aug. 21,” he added.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for sustaining the operational tempo and disrupting terrorist, kidnapping and arms-trafficking networks.

Oluyede also commended the collaboration between the military, other security agencies and stakeholders, describing the synergy as critical to the nation’s response to security threats.

He urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

The CDS assured that the Armed Forces would sustain operations in line with its Code of Conduct, Rules of Engagement, International Humanitarian Law and other international best practices. (NAN)

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