Military arrests 26 terrorist collaborators, frees 41 hostages

The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said troops arrested over 120 criminals, including 26 terrorist collaborators and rescued 41 kidnapped victims in nationwide operations conducted between September 14 and 22.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, told reporters in Abuja that the operations took place across all theatres — the North-East, North-West, North Central, South-South and South-East.

In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai freed three hostages, arrested 26 terrorist collaborators and neutralised Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West rescued 14 victims, killed terrorists across five states and captured notorious kingpin Mallam Abubakar Ahmadu with six accomplices.

In the North Central, Operation Enduring Peace arrested 52 suspects in Plateau and Kaduna while freeing nine hostages. Operation Whirl Stroke rescued eight others in Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa and the FCT, also nabbing high-profile kidnapper Saawuan Wuaiyolna.

In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe destroyed 16 illegal refining sites, foiled oil theft worth N19.75m, arrested 19 suspects and rescued five victims.

Troops of Operation Udo Ka in the South East rescued three hostages and recovered arms and explosives.

Kangye commended troops for their resilience and professionalism, urging the public to support the military with timely intelligence.

Cupped from punch.