Between July 10 and July 16, the Armed Forces of Nigeria successfully saved more than 40 abducted individuals and apprehended over 20 suspects, including terrorists and criminal associates. Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed these achievements during a briefing in Abuja on Saturday.
Military units across several operational zones, including Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, and Delta Safe, partnered with security agencies and local vigilantes to neutralize threats. In the Northeast, troops caused several insurgents to surrender and halted infiltration attempts near Maiduguri, while also detaining a foreign intelligence operative in Borno State. Operations in the North-West led to the rescue of 14 kidnap victims across Zamfara and Kebbi.
Efforts in central regions resulted in the interception of arms traffickers and the recovery of ammunition in Nasarawa and Kogi. Notably, authorities secured the release of four captives, including school staff and students, in the Dekina area of Kogi after forcing their captors to flee. Meanwhile, in the Niger Delta, personnel targeted illegal crude oil refining sites in Rivers State and neutralized two kidnappers in Edo State.
In the South-East, units from Operation UDO KA detained members of a banned secessionist group and rescued two people on the Aba-Port Harcourt expressway. General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff, praised the troops for their bravery. He particularly highlighted the intelligence-driven mission that led to the safe release of 44 pupils and teachers in Oyo State, who had spent 56 days in captivity. The military continues to appeal for public cooperation as they work to stabilize the nation.
