The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops, working alongside hybrid forces and other security agencies, have continued offensive operations across all regions to ensure safe corridors for farming activities.

This was stated in a press release by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, on Saturday in Abuja.

He explained that these efforts aim to allow farmers to contribute effectively to food production and help achieve food security, as mandated by President Bola Tinubu.

Maj.-Gen. Kangye emphasized that the armed forces, under the leadership of Gen. Christopher Musa, remain steadfast in protecting national security and the welfare of troops. They are committed to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity, national interests, and citizens against all threats.

“As part of its mandate, the military launched several key operations during the week with renewed vigour aimed at combating insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of criminal activities that threaten our communities.

“These operations are strategically designed and executed to ensure the safety of our people and the restoration of peace in affected regions.

“Accordingly, I am pleased to give an update on the significant progress in our operations conducted from May 8 to May 15.

“Within the period under review, troops successfully destroyed several terrorists’ camps as well as the rescue of kidnapped victims and the rehabilitation of civilians affected by the conflict,” he said.

Kangye said the dedicated troops had demonstrated remarkable courage and professionalism in the face of adversity, adding that the cooperation of local communities had also been invaluable in their intelligence-gathering efforts.

According to him, the gallant troops neutralised scores of terrorists, and apprehended two wanted extremists informants and logistics suppliers identified as Zakari Abubakar and Aliyu Musa in Suleja and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger.

He added that troops also apprehended an ammunition courier identified as Rufai Abdullahi in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.

“Items recovered within the period under review include: arms and ammunition, monies, locally fabricated guns, as well as motorcycles.

“Other items recovered were, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, mobile phones and vehicles,” he said.

In the North East, Kangye said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, neutralised scores of terrorists during fighting patrols, raids and clearance operations in Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza and Damboa Local Government Areas of Borno.

He stated that the operation also resulted in the rescue of 17 kidnapped victims and the recovery of weapons, various ammunition, hand grenades, and extra magazines.

In the Northwest, Kangye reported that troops from Operation Fansan Yamma killed numerous terrorists and rescued 129 victims across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States within the week.

In the Niger Delta, troops involved in Operation Delta Safe thwarted oil theft valued at over N103 million, which included 68,875 litres of stolen crude oil, 31,166 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 2,250 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).

He added that the troops discovered and destroyed 16 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 19 boats, 34 storage tanks, 79 drums, and 18 illegal refining sites.

“Additional items recovered include pumping machines, drilling equipment, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and seven vehicles,” he concluded.