Odita Sunday 
Military rescues abductees, kills terrorist kingpin, destroys illegal refineries
By Odita Sunday
The Defence Headquarters has said troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria intensified nationwide operations between July 3 and 9, leading to the rescue of kidnapped victims, neutralisation of terrorists, arrests of criminal suspects and destruction of illegal refining sites.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday during the weekly briefing on military operations.
He said troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued six abducted farmers in Chibok, dismantled terrorist logistics structures in Borno State and arrested suspected logistics suppliers and informants linked to ISWAP.
According to him, troops also rescued additional abductees during operations in Askira Uba, intercepted supplies meant for terrorists and arrested a wanted criminal in Adamawa State with an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
Onoja said troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA recovered arms, motorcycles and rustled livestock while foiling attempts by terrorists to procure materials for improvised explosive devices.
He added that troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD disrupted arms trafficking and logistics networks in Niger and Kwara states through targeted operations.
The military spokesman further stated that Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised a wanted terrorist kingpin identified as Puuga in Benue State, recovered 249 rustled cattle in Kogi State and rescued several kidnapped victims across the North Central region.
He said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE rescued 37 passengers abducted by sea pirates in Akwa Ibom and dismantled illegal refining sites in Rivers State, recovering over 205,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined products.
According to him, Operation UDO KA also recovered weapons, fake military uniforms and destroyed a major illegal oil bunkering site in Abia State.
He said the Air Component supported ground forces by forcing the escape of kidnapped victims in Niger State and carrying out successful air interdictions against terrorists moving rustled cattle.
Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their commitment and called on Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence to support military operations.
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