*Borno Farmers Resume Cultivation Due to Improved Security – Spokesman
Hussaini Kafi in Kano
The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria conducted massive operations across all regions of the country between July 10 and 17, killing terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, and disrupting oil theft worth over ₦291 million.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this in Abuja during a press briefing on the ongoing military operations. He said the troops maintained an aggressive posture across all theatres.
Kangye stated that due to improved security, farmers across the Northeast have resumed cultivation.
“Our mandate remains clear — to defend Nigeria and protect her people,” he said.
“In the North-East, under Operation Hadin Kai, troops eliminated Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in Borno and Yobe States, arrested 11 collaborators, and rescued seven kidnapped victims. Several terrorists, including their families, surrendered, while arms, IEDs, and logistics were recovered,” Kangye said.
In the North-West, under Operation Fagge Yamman, troops neutralised terrorists and arrested gunrunners in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger States. A notorious kidnapper, Gambo Sani, was arrested in Bauchi, and over 450 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
In the North-Central, Operation Safe Haven troops responded to attacks in Plateau and Kaduna States, killing extremists and arresting militias. In a separate encounter, troops intercepted a bullet-riddled vehicle and recovered ₦13.7m and weapons.
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, also in the North-Central, recorded success in Taraba, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa States. Thirteen terrorists were arrested, five hostages rescued, and large quantities of cannabis and illicit drugs recovered.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe troops foiled oil theft valued at ₦291.3m. “Over 200,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 19 illegal refining sites were destroyed,” Kangye revealed. Forty-two suspects were arrested, including a cult leader known as Commander Junior in Rivers.
Operation UDO KA troops in the South-East eliminated IPOB/ESN fighters in Anambra, Abia, and Imo States. Fourteen were arrested, and eight kidnapped victims were rescued. A terrorist collaborator collecting illegal taxes was also arrested in Ihiala with ₦1.5m.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and support security efforts.
