The military says troops on land, air and maritime operations nationwide eliminated 317 terrorists and criminals while rescuing 221 kidnapped victims in May.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at a monthly press briefing on ongoing military operations.

Mr Onoja said troops, during joint land, air and maritime operations with other security agencies, also arrested 314 suspects and recovered 93 assorted weapons during the period.

He said the operations led to the surrender of 18 terrorists, destruction of three illegal refining sites, and recovery of 21,910 litres of stolen petroleum products.

According to him, the renewed offensive reflects the military’s sustained pressure on terrorist networks, criminal gangs and economic saboteurs across all theatres.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed 73 insurgents, arrested 159 suspects and rescued 112 civilians, while several terrorists surrendered due to intensified operations.

Mr Onoja said the troops also repelled multiple attacks, disrupted cross-border logistics and recovered arms and ammunition in Borno and Yobe states.

“In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma troops neutralised 24 terrorists, arrested 13 and rescued 22 kidnap victims through aggressive patrols and coordinated air-ground operations,” he said.

He added that troops in the North-Central under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke conducted clearance and interdiction missions, dismantling kidnapping networks and illegal arms supply chains.

He noted that a major breakthrough was the discovery and dismantling of an illegal arms manufacturing facility in Plateau.

In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified operations against oil theft, arresting 14 suspects, destroying illegal refining sites and intercepting large volumes of stolen petroleum products.

Similarly, troops of Operation Udo Ka in the South-East arrested 60 suspects, rescued 18 victims and recovered weapons while sustaining pressure on criminal and secessionist elements.

Mr Onoja said the operations also exposed networks of collaborators, gunrunners and informants aiding criminal groups across the country.

He acknowledged a recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State, adding that the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, had ordered immediate reinforcement and deployment of surveillance assets to track the perpetrators.

He said the military remained resolute in restoring security, assuring that troops would sustain pressure until all threats were neutralised.

“The Armed Forces will not relent in its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect citizens,” he said.

Mr Onoja commended troops for their gallantry and professionalism and called on Nigerians to support security agencies with credible intelligence. 

(NAN) 

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has revealed that the upcoming Unity Cup will serve as an important platform for discovering new players ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Speaking on the objectives of the tournament, Gusau explained that the competition will give Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle the opportunity to properly evaluate players and build a stronger squad before September’s AFCON qualifying campaign.

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“The Unity Cup is an avenue to discover more players,” Gusau said.

According to the NFF president, the tournament will also help the technical crew establish a clearer tactical direction for the national team.

“These games will help the coach shape his plans,” he implied.

Gusau further disclosed that Chelle has already been given a major target ahead of the next continental tournament.

“He has been mandated to win the AFCON,” he noted.

The Unity Cup is expected to feature several new faces, including home-based players, as the Super Eagles continue rebuilding following recent disappointments.

“This competition could shape the future of the team,” many football observers believe.

The NFF president stressed the importance of using the tournament wisely to strengthen squad depth and competition.

“We must prepare properly for the qualifiers,” he added.

Nigeria remains under pressure to respond strongly after missing out on the FIFA World Cup.

“The expectations around the Super Eagles remain massive,” supporters continue to emphasize.

For the NFF president, the message is clear.

The Unity Cup is more than a friendly tournament.

New players must emerge.

And the Super Eagles must begin building seriously toward AFCON success.

Because winning major tournaments starts with proper preparation and squad development.