The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 38 suspects and rescued more than 50 kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across the country within the past week.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, announced this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

Onoja said the operations, executed under various Joint Task Forces, led to the recovery of automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials, live cartridges and assorted ammunition.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai carried out intelligence-led offensives across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, targeting Boko Haram and ISWAP elements.

According to him, the troops conducted clearance and strike operations in Bama, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Guzamala, Jere, Konduga, Mafa, Mobbar, Damaturu, Gombi and Maiha Local Government Areas, resulting in dozens of terrorists neutralised, eight arrests, the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims, and the seizure of arms and logistics.

He added that troops ambushed terrorists at Komala Village in Jere LGA, killing several fighters and recovering motorcycles, weapons and household items. Air Component operations also tracked and neutralised terrorists in Chongolo Kura, Bama LGA, and Abbagajere Village, Damboa LGA, destroying their hideouts and living structures.

In the North-West, Onoja said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised several terrorists, rescued two abducted persons and recovered weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock during operations in Zamfara, Kano and Katsina states.

In the North-Central, troops under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke dislodged terrorists from hideouts across Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba and Kogi states. These operations led to the arrest of 16 suspects, the rescue of 26 kidnapped victims and the recovery of arms, ammunition and motorcycles.

He further disclosed that in the South-South, Operation Delta Safe disrupted oil theft activities, destroyed nine illegal refining sites, arrested 11 suspects and recovered arms and ammunition in Rivers and Bayelsa states.

In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka conducted cordon-and-search operations across Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Enugu and Imo states, leading to the arrest of eight terrorists and the recovery of assorted arms and ammunition.

Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their courage and resilience, assuring Nigerians of sustained operations, enhanced inter-agency cooperation and continued efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.