Security operations over three days have yielded multiple successes, including hostage rescues and the disruption of criminal networks

The Nigerian Army has reported a string of operational successes across several regions of the country, including the neutralization of a terrorist, the rescue of 30 kidnapped victims, and the arrest of multiple suspects - part of a nationwide campaign aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring security.

An anonymous military source told The Nation Newspaper on Sunday about the results of a series of operations September 10-12 in the states of Niger, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, and Borno.

"Cumulatively, within the period, troops neutralized one terrorist, arrested six suspects, rescued 30 kidnapped victims, and recovered assorted weapons, ammunition, cash, petroleum products, motorcycles, mobile phones, and other logistics," the source said.

The troops also dismantled an illegal oil site in Bayelsa and intercepted contraband in the states of Rivers and Adamawa. 

Nigeria has long been plagued by kidnappings conducted by criminal gangs and terrorist groups operating across the West African nation. The groups often hold victims for extended periods, demanding ransom payments for their release. The issue drew global attention in 2014 when Boko Haram militants abducted hundreds of schoolgirls from Chibok village in Borno State.

Last month, at least 45 women and children were abducted when armed men raided five villages overnight in Zamfara State. Days before, gunmen on motorbikes killed 11 people and seized 70 others in Sabongarin Damri, in what local media described as the largest kidnapping this year.

This May, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu stated that Nigerian troops had neutralized 13,543 terrorists since May 2023. 

More than 130 children and staff were kidnapped from a school in northern Kaduna State in March 2024 but were rescued by the army days later.

READ MORE: Gunmen abduct dozens in Nigeria - Reuters

In April, Russian Lieutenant General Andrey Averyanov reaffirmed the country's commitment to boosting security cooperation with Nigeria, during a visit to the Defense Headquarters in Abuja. "Russia is willing to share new counterterrorism techniques developed during its operations, while also providing Nigeria with a full range of required weaponry," Averyanov said.