By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Defence Headquarters says troops have neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested dozens of criminal suspects and rescued over 50 kidnapped victims in nationwide operations between April 30 and May 7.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on ongoing military operations across various theatres on Friday in Abuja.

Onoja said troops recorded significant successes in the North-East under Operation HADIN KAI, where several terrorists were neutralised, abducted civilians rescued and insurgent attacks repelled, including a foiled assault on troops in Magumeri, Borno.

He also said that some insurgents surrendered, while logistics suppliers and collaborators were apprehended, indicating sustained pressure on terrorist networks.

In the North-West, he said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA engaged bandits in Katsina and Zamfara states, killing several fighters and recovering arms and motorcycles.

Onoja added that coordinated air and ground operations helped repel attacks on a military base.

According to him, troops in the North-Central under Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD and ENDURING PEACE rescued kidnapped victims, arrested suspected kidnappers and intercepted arms couriers, including one conveying 250 rounds of ammunition concealed in a vehicle in the FCT.

He said a major breakthrough was the dismantling of an illegal arms manufacturing syndicate in Jos South, Plateau, where several suspects were arrested and fabricated rifles recovered.

Onoja further said that troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued kidnapped victims in Kogi and Benue, including schoolchildren abducted from an orphanage, and intercepted ammunition couriers transporting hundreds of rounds.

In the South-South, he said the troops of Operation DELTA SAFE rescued victims and arrested suspected kidnappers in Edo.

“In the South-East, Operation UDO KA arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN gunrunner,” he said.

Onoja said the successes demonstrated the renewed operational momentum of the military in tackling insecurity nationwide.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, to sustaining the offensive against all threats.

“The Armed Forces will continue to protect lives and ensure that Nigerians live in peace and security,” he said. (NAN)

•Gallant Nigerian troops