The Nigerian military has intensified its crackdown on terrorists and criminal networks, killing an undisclosed number of fighters, arresting 15 suspects, and rescuing 15 kidnap victims in a series of coordinated operations across the country between August 29 and 31 [Source: Defence Headquarters, Radio Sapientia, TVC News]. The operations also led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and stolen petroleum products.
Operations by Region:
Northwest: Troops of the 17th Brigade in Katsina and the 1st Brigade Combat Team in Zamfara successfully rescued 12 kidnap victims. Other operations dismantled hideouts in Kebbi and Sokoto, resulting in the arrest of six members of the notorious Lakurawa terrorist group [Source: Radio Sapientia].
Northcentral: Forces from Operation Whirl Stroke disrupted terrorist movements in Nasarawa, Plateau, and Taraba states. They successfully foiled cattle rustling and armed robbery attempts while also arresting impostors posing as security personnel [Source: Defence Headquarters].
Southeast: Troops of the 34th Artillery Brigade in Imo State destroyed an IPOB/ESN improvised explosive device (IED) factory, where they seized detonators, CCTV cameras, and bomb-making fragments [Source: TVC News, Radio Sapientia].
Niger Delta: Security forces destroyed illegal refining sites in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states, confiscating over 3,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and arresting several suspects [Source: Defence Headquarters].
Insurgent Surrender:
In a notable development, an ISWAP fighter surrendered to troops of the 242 Recce Battalion in Monguno, Borno State [Source: Defence Headquarters]. The insurgent, who had been with the group since 2013, reportedly abandoned the insurgency due to hardship and internal divisions [Source: TVC News]. He will be processed through the Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) Programme.
Military Rejects Ransom Payments:
Following the successful operations, Chief of Defence Operations, Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, reiterated the military’s firm “no ransom” policy. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria do not support the payment of money to criminal groups. Experience has shown that ransom only emboldens criminals,” he stated during a national television appearance [Source: TVC News]. He further explained that repentant fighters are processed through the Disarmament Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) Programme under Operation Safe Corridor.
The Defence Headquarters emphasized that the nationwide crackdowns have severely weakened terrorist mobility and logistics, contributed to securing major roads, protected farmers, and supported the government’s food security drive [Source: Defence Headquarters]. Troops have pledged to sustain the momentum and urged local communities to assist in securing Nigeria’s borders.