In the past 24 hours, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have rescued at least 23 kidnap victims, apprehended key terror collaborators, and dismantled illegal oil refining operations in various parts of the country.
According to credible military sources, troops have maintained strong momentum in ongoing counter-terrorism and internal security operations nationwide.
In the North East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI arrested three Chadian nationals at Gamboru Motor Park in Ngala, Borno State. The suspects were found with 12 Starlink internet devices and a solar battery, believed to be logistics intended for Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.
Also in Yobe State, personnel from the 233 Battalion intercepted a tricycle transporting fuel and other supplies meant for insurgents. Meanwhile, troops of the 222 Battalion under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade repelled an ambush in Konduga, killing one terrorist and recovering a dane gun.
In the North Central region, troops under Operations Mesa and Whirl Stroke achieved significant breakthroughs with the arrest of four suspected kidnappers in Akuna village, Kogi State. A joint security team also rescued 23 kidnap victims, including four Chinese nationals, from terrorist hideouts in Chigogo Hills, Kwara State.
Additionally, troops thwarted a kidnap attempt along the Chikara–Abaji road, rescuing one victim and evacuating two others who sustained injuries. In a separate operation, two suspected terrorist leaders were captured in Shendam, Plateau State.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA raided a hotel in Ngor Okpala, Imo State, identified as a kidnappers’ den. Two men posing as police officers were arrested with two AK-47 rifles, 58 rounds of ammunition, and other incriminating items. Four hotel staff were also taken into custody for further investigation.
Meanwhile, in the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered and destroyed several illegal refining sites in Delta and Rivers States. At Ughoton in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta, troops seized 775 litres of illegally refined diesel hidden in a hotel and arrested the hotel manager. An additional 150 litres of kerosene was intercepted from suspected oil bunkerers in Rivers State, who have since been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for prosecution.
These operations highlight the military’s ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity, disrupt terrorist logistics networks, and safeguard lives and critical infrastructure across the country.