*Foil attempted mass kidnap at FGGC, Monguno, dismantle syndicate, recover ransom, vehicle in Imo *Foreign interests fuelling insecurity, says Daniel Bwala Chuks Okocha and Linus Aleke in Abuja Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have sustained military operations across the country, recording significant successes against terrorists, kidnappers, criminal elements and oil thieves, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said. They have also rescued dozens of abducted victims and arrested several terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers. Addressing journalists, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops across the various theatres of operation had maintained relentless pressure on criminal elements, leading to arrests, recoveries and the rescue of hostages. In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified counter-terrorism operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP remnants. During the period, 10 family members of terrorists surrendered in Gwoza and Pulka, while troops arrested several suspected terrorist collaborators, logistics suppliers and a suspected foreign spy in Borno State. Among those arrested was Ali Umar, who confessed to supplying terrorists with petroleum products. The operation also foiled infiltration attempts in Muna Garage, Shuwari village and the Ajilari axis of Jere Local Government Area, resulting in the recovery of a terrorist’s corpse during follow-up operations. Troops equally rescued several kidnap victims, including Usman Hassan, abducted in Bauchi State in April, alongside Aisha Mohammed and six other civilians rescued around Armuda Bridge in Gwoza. In the North West, Operation Fansan Yamma sustained offensive operations against terrorists and their collaborators across Zamfara and Kebbi states. Troops arrested suspected collaborators, neutralised three terrorists in separate encounters, rescued 13 abducted civilians and recovered two vehicles following attacks on commuters. General Onoja said Operation Savannah Shield in the North Central rescued four kidnap victims in Niger and Kwara states while neutralising a terrorist and recovering an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a Dane gun. Similarly, troops of Operation Enduring Peace intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna, recovering three locally fabricated rifles and four sub-machine guns. Troops, he said also arrested a wanted suspect linked to attacks in Plateau State and rescued four kidnap victims after responding to a highway blockade. The Director added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke intercepted an ammunition courier transporting 60 rounds of ammunition and apprehended four suspected terrorist collaborators. Troops also rescued a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Kogi State. In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal refining sites in Rivers State containing stolen crude oil and dismantled equipment used for illegal refining. Troops also neutralised two kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles and ammunition, and rescued three abductees. Operation Udo Ka in the South East arrested suspected kidnappers and members of a proscribed secessionist group, recovering an assault rifle, ammunition, a pump-action gun and cartridges. Troops also rescued two abducted victims after intercepting a truck hijacked by kidnappers along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway. Commending the troops, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, praised their professionalism and dedication. He also lauded the intelligence-led collaboration that secured the unconditional rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity. In another development, Troops of Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), working in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), foiled an attempted mass abduction by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno. The incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on 19 July 2026 at the college, which is currently being used by the Borno State Government as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno. According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the terrorists reportedly gained access to the facility with the assistance of suspected collaborators in an attempt to abduct the students. Alert security personnel immediately engaged the attackers with coordinated and overwhelming firepowe
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