Nigerian Military kills 435 terrorists, rescues 717 kidnapped victims in two months

The Nigerian military says its troops killed 435 terrorists and bandits and rescued 717 kidnapped victims during security operations across the country in September and October.

The military also arrested 809 suspects and secured the surrender of 198 insurgents within the two-month period.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed this in its operational report presented at the joint security press briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja on Thursday.

According to the report, the troops conducted 588 security operations involving coordinated land, air and maritime campaigns across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Among the high-profile terrorist commanders reportedly killed were Ali Mandara, Abba Gajiri, Habu Ikkima, Nakif Yana Faruk, Commander Gogore and Abdussamad Ohida.

The military said the operations also led to the recovery of 5,666 arms, ammunition, explosives and improvised explosive devices, alongside other logistical assets.

It said the rescued victims included 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps in Owerri and 11 people abducted in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The military also identified operations in Buni Yadi, Baga, Kukawa, Bittai and the Owo forest as some of the major tactical breakthroughs recorded during the period.

In the Niger Delta, troops destroyed 57 illegal refining sites and recovered more than 1.06 million litres of stolen petroleum products as part of efforts to combat crude oil theft and economic sabotage.

Despite the reported gains, the Defence Headquarters acknowledged that security challenges persist in Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Katsina, Kwara, Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, Benue, Niger, Oyo and Kaduna states.

It said the military would sustain clearance operations and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and restore security across the country.