Between July 10 and 16, Nigerian military personnel executed a series of nationwide operations that resulted in the rescue of over 40 kidnapped individuals and the capture of more than 20 suspected terrorists and accomplices. Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed these actions in a Saturday press release from Abuja, noting that several militants were neutralized while criminal networks were dismantled.
The collaborative mission involved multiple task forces, including Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, and Delta Safe, working alongside local security bodies and vigilante groups. In the North-East, troops secured the freedom of 13 captives and accepted the surrender of 10 relatives of insurgents. Operations in the North-West led to the rescue of 14 people and the seizure of vehicles left behind by fleeing fighters.
Operations across the North-Central region, covering Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Kogi states, saw troops rescue several victims, including a school principal and two students in Dekina. Soldiers also intercepted ammunition couriers and arms traffickers. In the South-South and South-East, units destroyed illegal oil refineries in Rivers State, neutralized kidnappers in Edo, and dismantled separatist cells in addition to rescuing further hostages.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, lauded the troops for their high professional standards. He specifically highlighted the successful intelligence-driven rescue of 44 students and teachers in Oyo State following 56 days of captivity. The military continues to appeal for public cooperation as it maintains pressure on criminal elements to stabilize the nation.
