The Defence Headquarters has declared an escalation in patrols within the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings to counter the rising incidents of kidnappings. 

In a statement issued on Friday, January 19, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, highlighted the collaborative efforts between troops and various security services to conduct thorough investigations and gather intelligence on kidnapping gangs in and around the capital city.

Buba emphasized, “Troops have prioritized the areas prone to kidnappings, intensifying both ground and air surveillance in these regions. Advanced technologies have been deployed to facilitate the detection of kidnapping gangs in their hideouts and strongholds.”

Recent military operations have successfully cleared several areas, including Kawu, Gaba, Deidei, Kubwa Hills, and Ushafa in the FCT, as well as Garam, Jibi, the back of Zuma Rock in Niger State, and Gidan Dogo and Kuyeri/Kuyeri Hills in Kaduna State. Night patrols have been intensified in Mpape, Kubwa, Lugbe, Pyakasa, Keti, Gbaupe, Gbaukuchi, and Airport Road, among others.

Expressing empathy for the affected families, Buba acknowledged the distressing impact of kidnappings on the populace. 

He assured citizens, stating, “While troops probably don’t have all the answers as at now, citizens should be rest assured that the armed forces are working relentlessly to address the hurtful situation.”

In addition to addressing the kidnapping crisis, the military reported successful operations in the North East. Operation HADIN KAI eliminated three top ISWAP terrorists commanders, namely Abou Maimuna, Abou Zahra, and Commander Saleh, on January 10 in Borno State. Air strikes were instrumental in neutralizing these commanders and their lieutenants.

Buba further stated, “Overall, the operations during the week resulted in 43 neutralized terrorists with 76 of them arrested. Troops also arrested 29 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages.”