The Nigerian military says it has made major breakthroughs in its fight against insecurity, with several high-profile terrorists killed and hundreds of kidnap victims rescued in April.
Among those eliminated was a notorious terror leader, Nkwachi Eze, also known as ‘Onowu’, who had long been on the military’s wanted list.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Markus Kangye, Eze was the brain behind many attacks and kidnappings across the South-East.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Kangye also revealed that the Armed Forces arrested over 430 criminals linked to oil theft, terrorism, and other offences last month. In addition, 173 kidnap victims were rescued, while more than 200 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops.
“We have also taken into custody, one Buhari Umar, a wanted suspected gunrunner who also doubles as leader of a kidnapping syndicate terrorising Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna states,” Kangye stated.
He added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested a five-man kidnap gang in Nasarawa State’s Lafia area. Those arrested were named as Hassan Mohammed, Saleh Sani, Idi Yusuf, Adamu Danmai and Hassan Bello.
A large cache of weapons was recovered during operations, including machine guns, RPG tubes, locally made firearms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and live ammunition.
In the North-East, troops under “Operation Hadin Kai” apprehended 29 suspected logistics suppliers for terrorists in Borno and Yobe between 1 and 4 May. The suspects confessed they were paid by terrorist groups to procure materials like inverter batteries, petrol, beverages, and food. The military also recovered vehicles, motorcycles, and ₦739,000 in cash.
In the North-West, troops of “Operation Fasan Yamma” neutralised more terrorists and freed nine hostages during operations in Sokoto, Katsina, and Zamfara. On 30 April, troops intercepted a truck in Zamfara’s Anka area carrying ₦3.3 million hidden among bags of onions and fruits, along with three motorcycles.
Over in the North-Central region, “Operation Safe Haven” troops neutralised an extremist and arrested 17 suspected violent criminals in Plateau and Kaduna States.
Major-General Kangye assured Nigerians that the military remains committed to restoring peace and protecting lives.
“These operations are strategically designed and executed to ensure the safety of our people and restoration of peace in affected regions,” he said. “We are making significant progress, including the neutralisation of key insurgent leaders, destruction of terrorist camps, and the rehabilitation of civilians affected by conflict.”
The military continues to call for public cooperation as it steps up efforts to secure the country.
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