The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops of the Armed Forces neutralised scores of terrorists, eliminated several high-value insurgent commanders and rescued dozens of kidnapped victims during coordinated operations across the country within the past week.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while briefing journalists on military operations conducted between February 28 and March 6.

According to him, troops also intercepted about 51,000 litres of stolen crude oil within the same period.

Onoja said the nationwide operations, carried out across various theatres, targeted terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal elements threatening Nigeria’s security.

He noted that troops of the Joint Task Force North-East under Operation HADIN KAI intensified offensive actions against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists.

The troops, he said, neutralised several terrorists, arrested 20 suspects, facilitated the surrender of 11 insurgents and their families, and rescued 24 kidnapped victims.

He added that the air component of the operation carried out precision strikes on terrorist hideouts in the Sambisa Forest, killing several key insurgent leaders.

“Notably, the air component conducted precision strikes on terrorist enclaves in the Sambisa Forest which neutralised key terrorist ring leaders identified as Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago and Ba Alayi Benbem, alongside fighter Hussaini Ubaida.

“Human intelligence further indicates that over 18 terrorist commanders and 42 fighters were eliminated during the strike,” he said.

Onoja also revealed that troops thwarted attempted terrorist attacks in Bama and Nganzai Local Government Area, recovering arms, ammunition, armed drones, anti-tank bombs and materials used in the production of improvised explosive devices.

In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised several terrorists, arrested eight suspects and rescued five hostages during coordinated operations in Zamfara State and Kaduna State.

He said troops also intercepted arms and 542 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a bag of rice during a stop-and-search operation.

Onoja further disclosed that troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD neutralised more than 17 terrorists during a fierce gun battle in Roguwa Forest.

The troops also intercepted eight 50-kilogramme bags of ammonium chloride, a chemical precursor used in the production of improvised explosive devices.

In the North-Central region, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested 12 suspected terrorists in Lokoja Local Government Area.

“Items recovered from the suspects include an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, mobile phones and the sum of N645,000,” Onoja said, adding that preliminary analysis of the suspects’ phones revealed coded contacts linked to criminal networks.

He also disclosed that troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna and Plateau states, recovering fabricated rifles and other weapons.

In the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified the crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining.

According to him, troops destroyed four illegal refining sites, arrested seven suspects and intercepted large volumes of stolen petroleum products.

“On Feb. 27, troops intercepted a wooden boat carrying about 45,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil near Cool Beach in Bonny Local Government Area.

“In total, about 50,970 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products were recovered during the week,” he said.

Onoja added that troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.

He said troops arrested five suspected terrorists and recovered arms, foreign currency and other incriminating materials during clearance operations in Imo State, Cross River State and Abia State.

The Director added that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their gallantry and professionalism across all theatres of operation.

He also urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces with credible intelligence to sustain the fight against terrorism and other security threats in the country.