Nigerian troops have rescued 125 kidnapped people, killed eight terrorists and arrested 10 alleged collaborators and logistics suppliers during a week of military operations across the country.
The operations, conducted between November 6 and 12, also led to the surrender of 12 terrorists and members of their families, according to a briefing by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja.
According to a statement obtained by Anadolu from Onoja, the largest rescue involved 119 travellers abducted on November 6 along the Dutsen Kura-Bulazarma-Kamuya Road in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of northeastern Borno State.
He said troops pursued the attackers along the Mangari-Dora Road, forcing them to abandon the captives.
The rescued group comprised 69 men, 35 women and 15 children. The military also discovered improvised explosive devices planted in the area.
In northwestern Zamfara State, soldiers rescued five kidnapped people during separate operations, while another three victims were freed after commuters were attacked along the Kombo-Gurusu Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
However, the driver abducted with the commuters was found dead, the military said.
The military also reported operations in several other states, including Bauchi, Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara and Oyo, where troops raided suspected hideouts, recovered weapons and ammunition, and dismantled camps used by armed groups.
In Niger State, troops operating in Kainji Lake National Park detonated five improvised explosive devices, repelled two attacks and killed two suspected terrorists. They also arrested people suspected of collaborating with armed groups.
The operations came amid persistent insecurity in parts of Nigeria, where armed groups have carried out kidnappings, attacks on communities and assaults on travellers.
Kidnapping for ransom has remained a major security concern, particularly in the country's northern regions, with highways and rural communities frequently targeted.
