The Nigerian military has successfully neutralised several terrorists and rescued no fewer than 179 kidnapped victims across multiple states between May 25 and 28, according to the Defence Headquarters. The operations, conducted under various military campaigns, targeted terrorist enclaves and criminal networks in the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East regions. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, confirmed the developments in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, highlighting the sustained pressure exerted by troops across different theatres of operation.
In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai achieved major breakthroughs, including the neutralisation of terrorists in Taraba and Borno states. A suspected collaborator was also arrested in Monguno, while mounting military pressure led to the surrender of a family member of a terrorist fleeing the Kimbe enclave in Borno. Additionally, forces repelled a massing of terrorists along the Bam-Buratai axis, killing five fighters, and eliminated four others during an ambush in Yobe State.
In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma troops apprehended suspects linked to terrorist groups in Kebbi and Zamfara states. Three terrorists were killed in separate encounters, and 31 kidnapped victims were rescued in Zamfara following a Nigerian Air Force air interdiction. Meanwhile, Operation Savannah Shield recorded a significant humanitarian victory with the release of 148 kidnapped victims, mostly women and children, in Niger State.
In Kaduna State, troops under Operation Enduring Peace foiled attacks, rescued victims, and neutralised a notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Idi Yaya. Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue intensified efforts against drug networks, recovering over 500 illicit substances and arresting suspects linked to distribution syndicates. In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe, in collaboration with other security agencies, conducted clearance and ambush operations in Edo State, resulting in the arrest of suspects and the neutralisation of a kidnapper.
In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka troops arrested suspected IPOB/ESN kingpins in Ebonyi State and prevented an attempted abduction of farmers in Abia State. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their bravery and reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to ending insecurity. He emphasized that the military remains resolute in restoring peace and safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
The Defence Headquarters urged the public to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, assuring them that all information would be handled confidentially. These coordinated operations reflect the military’s ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks, protect civilians, and restore stability across Nigeria. The success of these missions signals a continued push toward long-term peace and security for the nation.
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