Nigerian Military Strikes Hard: Eliminates 27 Terrorists, Rescues 44 Hostages
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Nigerian Armed Forces have intensified their operations against criminal elements, neutralising 27 terrorists and arresting 62 others between January 30 and February 7, 2025.
According to the latest military report, troops also apprehended 23 individuals involved in oil theft and rescued 44 kidnapped victims across different regions.
A statement signed by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, says in the Northeast, troops under Operation Hadin Kai dealt heavy blows to insurgents, neutralising 18 terrorists and rescuing 31 hostages in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
Nine AK-47 rifles, eight Dane guns, and several rounds of ammunition were recovered.
The statement noted 11 suspected ISWAP collaborators, including four Pakistani nationals, were arrested.
It said in the Northwest, troops of Operation Fasan Yamma killed eight terrorists, arrested six, and freed 55 kidnapped hostages in Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto states.
Weapons, motorcycles, and cash were seized.
Similarly, Operation Whirl Punch led to the arrest of 13 criminals in Kogi and Edo states, with troops recovering locally made revolvers and large sums of money.
Operations in the North Central region also saw significant victories ad troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised four extremists, arrested 15, and rescued 13 hostages in Plateau and Kaduna states.
Operation Whirl Stroke apprehended 30 suspects, seized multiple firearms, and recovered 11 motorcycles from criminal hideouts in Taraba, Nasarawa, Adamawa, and Benue states.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe disrupted illegal oil refining activities, destroying over 24 illegal refining sites and seizing 253,330 liters of stolen crude oil worth over ₦292 million while, in the Southeast, Operation Udo Ka arrested five IPOB/ESN operatives, rescued four hostages, and dismantled explosives in Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, and Enugu states.
The statement assured that with a strong resolve to safeguard Nigeria, saying the military has vowed to sustain the momentum against terrorism, banditry, and oil theft, ensuring the safety of citizens nationwide.
