Troops rescue 318 kidnapped victims, arrest 74 suspects — DHQ

File photo: Troops of the Nigerian army

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The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said troops deployed across the country rescued 318 kidnapped victims and arrested 74 suspects involved in terrorism, oil theft and other criminal activities in November.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, who released the figures in Abuja during a briefing on military operations, said 69 terrorists and their family members also surrendered to troops in the North-East within the same period.

“Accordingly, for the month of November, several terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminal elements were arrested, scores were neutralised, and over 69 of them and their family members surrendered, while 318 kidnapped victims were also rescued,” Onoja said.

He added that troops prevented oil theft valued at over N217m and dismantled multiple illegal refining sites across operational areas.

“Troops intensified operations against oil theft, arresting 25 suspects, deactivating 16 illegal refining sites and recovering stolen petroleum products valued at N217,664,618.

“The recovered items included 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of Automotive Gas Oil. While 16 illegal refining sites were deactivated,” he said.

The Defence Headquarters commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to sustain the momentum.

Onoja also appealed to the public to continue providing credible information to security forces.

“We continue to solicit the support of all Nigerians in this regard. We also call for support for the veterans by supporting the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched by Mr President on  December 2, 2025, at the Presidential Villa,” he said.

Onoja assured that the military high command was enhancing operational responses to emerging security threats and would continue efforts to restore peace in affected areas.

He added that the armed forces were taking all possible measures to secure the release of students recently abducted, stressing that troops were working to ensure their safe return to their families.

“The AFN also wishes to inform all Nigerians that we are emplacing all necessary measures, systems and activities humanly possible to ensure that the remaining students recently abducted are rescued and returned to their families unhurt,” he said.

The PUNCH reports that the rescue of kidnapped victims comes amid renewed pressure on security agencies following fresh incidents of mass abductions, which continue to undermine national security.

The PUNCH journalist, Solomon, has five years experience covering crime, judiciary and defence beats.

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