Military reports 102 terrorists neutralized, 393 rescued in July ops
Nigerian Armed Forces killed over 100 insurgents and arrested 345 suspects during July operations across the country, with hundreds of kidnap victims freed.
During Friday's monthly briefing in Abuja, Major General Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, reported that military personnel had eliminated more than 100 terrorist operatives and criminal elements across multiple operational zones throughout July. The month demonstrated sustained combat operations against armed criminals and insurgent groups.
In addition to these eliminations, 345 individuals were apprehended on charges related to terrorism and criminal activity. Rescue missions conducted during the same period freed between 393 and 397 kidnapped civilians, with sources providing slightly varying figures.
The armed forces documented 57 insurgents who chose to surrender to troops. Equipment seized by military forces included 59 firearms alongside ammunition stocks totaling over 1,800 rounds.
Notable among the operational achievements were strikes against terrorist command structures. The death of commander Abu Salim al-Barnawi was confirmed by the military, as was the defection of a senior financial official from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Military actions concentrated on Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other armed factions operating across the North-East, North-West, and additional regions. The Defence Headquarters characterized July's results as advancing broader counterinsurgency objectives aimed at suppressing armed groups, reducing abductions, and establishing order in vulnerable areas.
Military operations spanned several theatres where ongoing insecurity remains a concern. Working alongside other security agencies, troops also targeted illegal oil refining operations in Rivers State.
The monthly update underscores the military's continuing deployment across multiple operational zones.
Sources
- Blueprint — Troops neutralised 102 terrorists, arrested 345 in July – DHQ
- Punch Newspapers — Military rescues 397 kidnapped victims in July – DHQ
- The Authority — AFN records major gains against terrorists, rescues hundreds of victims in July operations
- This Day — DHQ: Troops Kill over 102 Terrorists, Criminals, Apprehend 345 in July
