By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, have neutralised nine terrorists, arrested 31 suspects and rescued more than 16 kidnapped victims during coordinated operations conducted across various parts of the country.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while providing an update on military operations nationwide.

According to him, troops deployed strategic assets, conducted joint land patrols and received close air support in efforts aimed at disrupting the activities of insurgents, kidnappers, arms traffickers and other criminal groups.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai carried out a series of operations that led to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of arms, ammunition and other items.

The military said a number of individuals linked to terrorist activities, including suspected collaborators and informants, were apprehended in parts of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Bauchi states. Troops also rescued escapees from terrorist enclaves and reunited some of them with their families.

In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma engaged criminal elements in Katsina and Zamfara states, neutralising suspected terrorists and recovering weapons and ammunition.

The military also reported the arrest of a suspect during operations in Kaduna State, while another suspect was apprehended during a raid in Zamfara State.

In the North-Central region, troops of Operation Savannah Shield conducted patrols in Niger State and successfully repelled an ambush by armed elements, recovering motorcycles and ammunition.

The operation also led to the arrest of a suspect accused of providing support to criminal groups.

Similarly, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued five kidnapped passengers during a search-and-rescue mission in Kaduna State after discovering an abandoned vehicle along a highway.

The military said two injured victims were evacuated for medical treatment, while efforts to locate other missing persons are ongoing.

In Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke carried out a series of operations that resulted in the arrest of suspected gunrunners and other suspects, the rescue of kidnap victims and the recovery of weapons, explosives and vehicles.

In the Niger Delta region, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested several suspects in Edo State during operations targeting kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The military also recovered locally fabricated firearms and motorcycles during a sweep operation in Delta State.

In the South-East, troops of Operation Udoka arrested several suspects in Abia, Anambra and Ebonyi states during operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks.

The military further disclosed that troops rescued hostages in Ebonyi State following a distress call and arrested three suspects in connection with the incident.

Major General Onoja said the Armed Forces remain committed to operating in accordance with the law and established rules of engagement while protecting lives and property across the country.

He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible information on suspicious activities through appropriate channels.

Onoja also conveyed the commendation of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, to troops for their resilience and professionalism in ongoing operations across the country.