TROOPS ARREST 354 SUSPECTS, RESCUE OVER 400 KIDNAP VICTIMS IN FEBRUARY

From the North-East to the Niger Delta, the Armed Forces say major gains were recorded against terrorists, oil thieves and bandits in just one month.

The Defence Headquarters says troops arrested 354 suspects linked to terrorism and other crimes in February, rescued 409 kidnapped victims and neutralised several terrorists nationwide.

At a media briefing in Abuja, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, highlighted progress across multiple theatres of operation.

Under Operation HADIN KAI, troops in the North-East facilitated the surrender of 46 insurgents and disrupted the logistics of Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS factions. In Yobe State, soldiers intercepted supplies allegedly headed for insurgents and arrested 42 illegal miners accused of funding terrorism.

In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified its anti-oil theft campaign, arresting 59 suspects, rescuing hostages and recovering over 144,000 litres of stolen crude, along with thousands of litres of diesel. Troops also dismantled 32 illegal refining sites.

Meanwhile, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded the arrest of 36 suspects and rescue of 251 hostages across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states. Troops combined ground offensives with air support and intelligence-led missions to weaken criminal networks. Agro-security patrols were also introduced to protect farmers and reduce conflict-driven recruitment.

In Plateau, Operation ENDURING PEACE tackled terrorism and communal violence, arresting 29 suspects and rescuing 22 hostages. Swift interventions reportedly helped contain farmer-herder clashes in parts of Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa LGAs.

The military says beyond combat operations, efforts now include youth empowerment programmes and infrastructure repairs aimed at tackling the root causes of insecurity.