Nigeria’s Armed Forces recorded significant successes in July, rescuing hundreds of kidnapped victims, eliminating dozens of terrorists, and forcing scores of insurgents to surrender as military offensives intensified across multiple regions of the country.
The latest operational update was presented on Friday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who highlighted the military’s achievements during the month-long campaign against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
Hundreds Rescued and Suspects Arrested Nationwide
According to the Defence Headquarters, coordinated military operations resulted in the rescue of nearly 400 kidnapped victims across the country during July.
In addition to the rescue missions, security forces neutralised 102 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 345 suspects linked to various security threats, and recovered 59 firearms alongside 1,811 rounds of ammunition.
Military authorities described the figures as evidence of sustained operational pressure on criminal networks operating in different parts of Nigeria.
North-East Offensive Continues to Weaken Terror Groups
The military said Operation HADIN KAI maintained relentless attacks against Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad across Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe states.
During the operations, troops killed 54 terrorists, arrested 102 suspected insurgents, rescued more than 100 abducted civilians, and received the surrender of 57 terrorists and their family members.
Officials noted that the growing number of voluntary surrenders reflects the increasing pressure being placed on insurgent strongholds through coordinated ground assaults and aerial bombardments.
Wave of Surrenders Signals Growing Pressure
Major General Onoja explained that the month began with a suspected terrorist surrendering after escaping from a camp around the Lake Chad region.
Days later, a woman and her child voluntarily surrendered to troops in Dikwa Local Government Area, while several relatives of insurgents emerging from hideouts in the Mandara Mountains also laid down their arms in Gwoza.
Military authorities believe these developments demonstrate the declining morale among terrorist groups as sustained offensives continue to disrupt their operations.
Senior ISWAP Finance Operative Gives Up
One of the most significant developments during July was the surrender of a senior ISWAP financial commander along the Gamboru-Wulgo supply corridor.
According to the military, the suspect served as the Chief Finance Officer for the terrorist group’s enclave in Jubillaram and surrendered together with two children.
He reportedly handed over an AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The Defence Headquarters said the surrender further weakens the insurgents’ financial and logistical network while bringing the number of recent defectors to dozens.
More Terror Suspects Captured Following Air Strikes
The military also reported that three additional suspected terrorists surrendered in Gubio Local Government Area after fleeing their camps due to continuous air attacks.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly revealed they had received specialised training as gunboat operators and anti-aircraft gunners for missions around the Lake Chad Basin.
On the same day, troops arrested two suspected collaborators in Magumeri Local Government Area who reportedly admitted providing support to insurgent groups.
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victims in Taraba
Outside the North-East, security forces also recorded success in Taraba State.
Following intelligence about a kidnapping incident, troops launched a fighting patrol to Bomanda village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area on July 29, where they rescued three civilians who had reportedly spent about 10 days in captivity.
The victims received immediate medical attention before being reunited with their families.
Military Maintains Pressure Across the Country
Summarising the month’s operations, the Defence Headquarters said the Armed Forces remain committed to improving national security and creating an environment where economic activities can flourish.
The military added that operations against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta also continued to record progress, with ongoing efforts disrupting the activities of oil thieves and other economic saboteurs while strengthening security across the region.
