During the second quarter, Nigerian military forces successfully neutralized 224 insurgents, apprehended 423 suspects, and secured the release of 279 kidnapped individuals throughout the North-West and North-Central regions. Major-General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, presented these figures during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
These accomplishments were achieved through a series of focused strategies, including intelligence-driven raids, anti-kidnapping patrols, and arms interdiction across several operational theaters. Under Operation Fansan Yamma, covering Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara, troops killed 77 terrorists and rescued 153 captives. Significant equipment, including AK-47 rifles, machine guns, and ammunition, was also seized. Notable successes included the capture of a high-profile insurgent leader in Shinkafi and the interception of logistical supplies, such as fuel and hidden ammunition caches.
Operation Savannah Shield activities in Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory resulted in 24 terrorist deaths and the rescue of eight victims. Intelligence gathered from informants and associates of criminal leaders provided crucial data for further missions. Similarly, Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau and Southern Kaduna focused on clearing transit routes and arresting kidnappers, which included the apprehension of a former police inspector caught with illegal weaponry.
In the North-Central, Operation Whirl Stroke personnel in Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Taraba neutralised 37 criminals, detained 86 suspects, and saved 59 hostages. Parallel efforts in the South-South and South-East targeted economic sabotage, leading to the destruction of seven illegal oil refining sites and the recovery of over 308,000 litres of stolen petroleum. Major-General Onoja emphasized that the Armed Forces remain dedicated to maintaining aggressive tactical pressure on all criminal syndicates to restore national security.
