Troops Arrest 74 Terrorists, Rescue 318 Kidnap Victims in November — DHQ
Nigeria’s Military High Command has announced the arrest of 74 terrorists and their collaborators, and rescued 318 kidnapped victims in the month of November.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, stated this on Thursday during a media chat at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
General Onoja said sustained counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations also led to the arrest of 25 suspected oil thieves in the South-South region, while no fewer than 69 terrorists and members of their families surrendered to troops in the North East.
He noted that troops destroyed 16 illegal refining sites and recovered stolen petroleum products worth N217.6 million during the period under review. Also recovered were 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of diesel.
“For the month of November, several terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminal elements were arrested, scores were neutralised, and over 69 of them and their family members surrendered, while 318 kidnapped victims were also rescued,” Onoja stated.
The Defence spokesperson said the Defence Headquarters had commended troops for their bravery and achievements, urging them to sustain the momentum until security is fully restored nationwide.
Onoja called on citizens and the media to continue supporting the armed forces through dissemination of credible information that can aid ongoing operations, while appealing to Nigerians to support fallen heroes and veterans by patronising the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched by President Bola Tinubu on December 2.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is dedicated to continuing to operate within the ambit of the law,” he said, assuring Nigerians that measures are being intensified to counter emerging security threats.
Onoja further disclosed that the military was deploying necessary assets to facilitate the rescue of remaining abducted students, pledging that efforts would not relent until they are safely reunited with their families.
He reaffirmed the military’s resolve to restore peace in all troubled areas of the country, pledging stronger operational responses in the weeks ahead.
