…Conduct Air Patrols Over Abuja–Kaduna Rail Corridor After Train Derailment
By Kingsley Omonobi
ABUJA — The military has announced that troops operating across multiple theatres of operation nationwide in the past one week neutralised 15 terrorists, arrested 28 suspects and rescued 25 kidnapped victims in coordinated counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday while giving an update on ongoing military operations across the country.
He also confirmed that Nigerian Air Force aircraft conducted aerial surveillance along the Abuja–Kaduna railway corridor following a recent train derailment, as part of precautionary security measures to prevent possible terrorist or criminal exploitation of the incident.
According to him, the air patrol covered the railway line, adjoining highways and nearby communities, including Rijana and Katari, and extended to the perimeter of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.
North-West operations
In the North-West under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops carried out several offensive missions across Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi States, resulting in the neutralisation of terrorists, recovery of arms and destruction of insurgent camps.
In Zamfara State, troops conducted fighting patrols in Zurmi LGA, killing terrorists and recovering AK-47 rifles, magazines and other items while destroying an abandoned camp.
In Katsina State, troops engaged terrorists along the Zurmi–Jibia Road in Jibia LGA, killing six in a gun battle and recovering a motorcycle.
In Kebbi State, troops intercepted fleeing bandits in Dandi LGA, recovering motorcycles, an RPG launcher tube and IED components.
Rescue of kidnapped victims
The military also reported multiple rescue operations during the period under review.
In Zamfara State, seven kidnapped victims were rescued in Bukuyyum LGA after escaping captivity in the Bagega Forest, reportedly due to sustained military air interdiction.
In Kaduna State, troops responded to a distress call along the Kwagri highway and rescued two of three abducted passengers after a search-and-rescue operation.
Further operations in Zamfara led to the rescue of additional abducted civilians after troops repelled armed attackers.
Arrests and intelligence gains
Troops also arrested suspected collaborators and informants across several locations, including a 19-year-old suspect arrested along the Kaura Namoda–Zurmi Road in Zamfara State.
In separate operations, suspected terrorist collaborators were arrested in Katsina, Borno and other parts of the North-East, with interrogations yielding intelligence on terrorist supply and recruitment networks.
North-East operations
In the North-East under Operation Hadin Kai, troops in Borno State rescued civilians after terrorists abandoned them and fled.
In Gwoza LGA, a teenage escapee from a suspected terrorist enclave surrendered to troops at Pulka after fleeing starvation and pressure in the Mandara Mountains.
Troops also repelled a large-scale attack involving about 60 motorcycles in Gwoza, recovering ammunition and motorcycles left behind by fleeing terrorists.
Several suspects linked to logistics and espionage networks were also arrested in Gwoza, Kukawa and surrounding communities.
North-Central operations
In the North-Central, troops arrested suspected terrorists, kidnappers and collaborators across Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Kogi, Kaduna and Nasarawa States.
In Kwara State, troops intercepted the wife of a suspected terrorist kingpin along with other individuals linked to his network.
In Plateau State, troops arrested suspected kidnappers and recovered firearms, ammunition and impersonation materials, including a dismissed police officer allegedly involved in criminal activity.
In Niger State, troops engaged terrorists in Shiroro LGA, forcing them to retreat.
In Kogi State, troops rescued kidnapped victims and arrested suspects linked to terrorist logistics and intelligence networks.
South-South operations
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe intercepted and impounded large quantities of illegally refined petroleum products across Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa States.
Operations also led to the seizure of vehicles and the disruption of major bunkering activities.
South-East operations
In the South-East, troops under Operation Udoka arrested suspected members of proscribed groups linked to kidnapping and logistics support networks in Abia and Imo States.
One suspected commander was arrested while receiving treatment at a hospital in Imo State.
Military response
Maj.-Gen. Onoja said all operations were conducted in line with established rules of engagement and international humanitarian law.
He added that the Armed Forces remained committed to dismantling terrorist networks, criminal gangs and economic saboteurs across the country.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their professionalism and inter-agency cooperation, assuring that military operations would be sustained until all criminal elements are eliminated.
He also urged citizens to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that national security remains a shared responsibility.
