The Nigerian military has neutralised dozens of terrorists, arrested over 100 suspects, and rescued at least 29 kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across the country between January 19 and January 23. Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided updates from Abuja, noting that the operations were intelligence-driven, executed professionally, and adhered to the Rules of Engagement and international humanitarian law. The offensives disrupted criminal networks, recovered arms and ammunition, and restored relative calm in troubled areas.
In the North East, troops under Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai neutralised numerous Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, apprehending seven suspects and rescuing four kidnapped victims. Air strikes in Damboa, Abadam, and Doron Duguri confirmed the elimination of dozens of terrorists and destruction of their equipment. Meanwhile, Operation Fansan Yamma in the North West arrested 10 suspects, rescued seven kidnapped victims, and recovered weapons, vehicles, and rustled livestock in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.
In the North Central, Operation Enduring Peace apprehended 39 criminals, rescued four kidnapped victims, and recovered arms, ammunition, and $4,500 traced to cattle rustling. Operation Whirl Stroke in the central and Middle Belt states, including Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and FCT, arrested 11 suspected kidnappers and freed six victims. In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 oil thieves and other criminals in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, and Imo states.
In the South East, Operation Udo Ka rescued eight Cameroonian hostages from sea pirates in Cross River, arrested three suspects in Anambra, and received the surrender of around 80 militants along with their weapons. Maj.-Gen. Onoja reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting citizens, and called on the media to support national security efforts through responsible reporting.
