Nigerian military rescues 50 abductees and kills 36 terrorists

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters reported that military operations conducted between October 2 and October 8 resulted in the rescue of at least 50 abducted persons and the neutralization of 36 terrorists.

In Borno and Yobe states, troops foiled an ISWAP assault on Kukawa and neutralized 26 terrorists. Operations in the North-West, specifically in Kebbi, Katsina, and Kaduna, led to the neutralization of 10 Lakurawa terrorists and the rescue of several kidnap victims, including a seven-year-old boy.

In the South-East, security forces rescued 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members following their abduction on the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State. Additionally, a senior ISWAP commander, Abdussamad Ohida, was neutralized in the Owo forest of Ondo State.

Major General Michael Onoja stated that the military is actively targeting terrorist collaborators, logistics suppliers, and smugglers. Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede commended the troops' professionalism and urged continued vigilance during the upcoming festive season.