The Defence Headquarters has said troops of the Armed Forces have intensified operations across the country, recording notable gains in the disruption of terrorist logistics networks and other criminal activities.
It also disclosed that several kidnap victims were rescued, while arms and other illicit materials were recovered in multiple operational theatres.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known on Friday in Abuja while briefing journalists on military activities conducted between March 20 and 26.
Onoja stated that troops, under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, sustained coordinated offensives against terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements through intelligence-led operations and joint missions.
He noted that in the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai maintained sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, leading to the arrest of suspected informants, logistics suppliers and arms couriers across Borno, Adamawa and Taraba states.
“Troops recovered AK-47 rifles, magazines and other logistics items, while several suspects linked to terrorist activities were apprehended in areas such as Maiduguri, Damboa, Kaga and Mubi,” he said.
In the North-West, Onoja said troops under Operation Fansan Yamma, with support from air components, carried out offensive operations that neutralised several terrorists and disrupted their support networks in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
He added that troops also rescued a kidnapped local government official in Kano State, while arms, ammunition and communication devices were recovered during ambush and clearance operations.
According to him, in the North-Central region, troops deployed under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke recorded successes in counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations.
He said troops responded to an attack on a worship centre in Kwara State, rescuing some victims, while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of others.
“Troops also arrested suspects found with explosives and materials for improvised explosive devices in Niger State, while additional arrests were made in Plateau, Benue and Kogi states.
“Several kidnapped victims were rescued during fighting patrols, and weapons were recovered from fleeing criminals,” he added.
Onoja further disclosed that troops uncovered and safely detonated improvised explosive devices, as well as dismantled criminal hideouts in forests and border communities.
In the South-South, he said troops of Operation Delta Safe sustained the crackdown on crude oil theft, leading to the destruction of illegal refining sites and recovery of large quantities of stolen crude and refined products in Rivers and Cross River states.
He added that suspects involved in oil bunkering and kidnapping were arrested, while vehicles and equipment used for such activities were seized.
Similarly, in the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka neutralised threats linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
He said troops also detonated improvised explosive devices and dismantled a major illegal refining site in Imo State, recovering and destroying significant volumes of stolen petroleum products.
The defence spokesman said the achievements reflected the effectiveness of ongoing military strategies and improved collaboration among security agencies.
He conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff to troops for their commitment and also acknowledged the support of other security agencies, the media and the public.
Onoja assured Nigerians that the military would sustain its operations until threats to national security were eliminated, urging citizens to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies.