Nigerian troops rescued more than 70 abducted persons, recovered N10 million believed to have been paid as ransom and arrested several suspected terrorists, kidnappers and arms dealers during operations across the country between October 15 and 22.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Saturday in a statement detailing the outcome of military operations conducted in different parts of the country during the period.

Among those rescued were 27 villagers abducted from Gamji community in Katsina State, 29 residents who fled into the bushes following a terrorist attack in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, and 11 passengers attacked while travelling on a commercial bus along the Ayere-Kabba road in Kogi State.

Troops also tracked kidnappers to Falgore Forest in Kano State, where two suspects were neutralised and a victim abducted from Fanyabo village in Tudun Wada Local Government Area was rescued.

According to Onoja, troops recovered N10 million suspected to be ransom paid by the victim’s family and returned the money to them alongside the rescued victim.

In Niger State, soldiers arrested a wanted terrorist kingpin and an associate at the suspect’s residence in Mokwa, recovering four mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash.

In the North-East, troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai intensified operations against terrorist groups in Borno and Yobe states.

The military said several suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators were arrested, including individuals allegedly involved in providing clothing materials used to make terrorist uniforms.

Nineteen terrorists and their family members also surrendered to, or were intercepted by, troops in Bama, Konduga, Mafa and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno State.

The suspects reportedly attributed their decision to leave terrorist camps to hunger, worsening hardship and clashes between rival factions.

Troops also rescued an abductee who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains and arrested suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province in Borno and Yobe.

Following an attack on a military position in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno, troops carried out clearance operations and recovered eight AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 300 rounds of PKT ammunition, two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and chargers, a handheld radio and a motorcycle.

In the North-Central, troops under Operation Whirl Stroke rescued five kidnap victims abandoned by their captors along the Okoloke-Isanlu-Esa route in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

A kidnapped herder was also rescued in Nasarawa State, while troops arrested a wanted gunrunner and militia leader at Jape village in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.

In Taraba State, soldiers arrested an alleged arms dealer accused of attempting to sell 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspect subsequently led investigators to three AK-47 rifles.

Troops also arrested a suspected kidnapper in the state, leading to the capture of other alleged members of a kidnapping syndicate reportedly operating with six AK-47 rifles.

In Benue, troops raided the residence of a militia leader in Abako, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, and destroyed the group’s hideout.

Two people abducted while travelling to Jos were rescued in Plateau State, while three suspects, including an alleged logistics supplier, were arrested during a raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Riyom Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Udo Ka arrested five suspects linked to the alleged abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State.

The suspects were apprehended around Irete and Orogwe in Owerri West Local Government Area, where soldiers recovered three AK-47 rifles, an English pistol and 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

In Anambra State, troops responding to a suspected secessionist attack pursued the assailants, who abandoned a bus before escaping in another vehicle. A pump-action gun and five cartridges were recovered from the abandoned bus.

In Edo State, troops under Operation Delta Safe conducted an offensive in Amendokhian Forest, Esan North-East Local Government Area, targeting suspected kidnappers. One suspect was neutralised, while a pump-action rifle and six live cartridges were recovered.

Troops under Operation Fansan Yamma also engaged terrorists in parts of Sokoto and Katsina states, recovering AK-47 rifles, motorcycles, ammunition and other military equipment.

Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their sustained efforts and cooperation with other security agencies.

Oluyede urged personnel to remain disciplined, respect human rights and adhere strictly to the rules of engagement, while warning that terrorist groups remained capable of carrying out attacks despite military pressure.

He also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and youths to promptly report suspicious activities, reject mob justice and avoid providing shelter or other support to criminal groups.

The CDS further urged media organisations to verify reports, especially those relating to sensitive communal matters, to prevent the escalation of tensions.

The Defence Headquarters said military operations would continue until peace and security were restored across the country.