Nigeria’s armed forces have recorded another breakthrough in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry, with troops neutralising 17 terrorists, rescuing 10 kidnapped victims, and apprehending 85 suspects during various operations across Borno and Kaduna States.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the coordinated offensives were part of sustained efforts by the military to restore stability in the North-East and North-West regions.
Buba said the operations, conducted between October 5 and October 17, led to the recovery of several weapons, ammunition, and logistics belonging to the terrorists. “During the operations, troops recovered assorted arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, magazines, and motorcycles used by the criminals,” he stated.
He explained that troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East engaged Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in multiple encounters, leading to the elimination of 17 insurgents and the rescue of several civilians held hostage.
In Kaduna State, under Operation Whirl Punch, the army reportedly raided terrorist enclaves in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, and Igabi local government areas, where several suspects were captured while trying to evade arrest.
“During the clearance operations, troops rescued 10 victims who had been in captivity for weeks and also arrested 85 suspects linked to banditry, illegal arms possession, and kidnapping,” Buba said.
He reaffirmed the military’s determination to sustain the tempo of operations until peace is restored to affected regions. “The Armed Forces remain committed to ensuring that terrorists, insurgents, and criminals have no hiding place within the country,” he added.
Okay News reports that the Defence Headquarters has urged communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence that could help dismantle remaining terror cells.
The military also reiterated its call for patience and support from citizens as operations continue across several states, assuring Nigerians of improved safety and peace in the coming months.
