Nigerian troops have rescued eight Cameroonian nationals from sea pirates and secured the surrender of 80 militants in Cross River State.
The Defence Headquarters announced on Monday that soldiers from Operation UDO KA freed the hostages during an offensive operation along the Ikang waterways in Bakassi Local Government Area. The Cameroonians had been kidnapped by pirates in the coastal region.
In a related development, about 80 militants surrendered to troops in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the same state. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, stated this was due to ongoing amnesty efforts and non-kinetic engagements.
The militants, who submitted their arms and ammunition, were from two camps led by Thankgod Ebikontei (also known as Ayibanuagha) and John Isaac (popularly called Akpokolo).
“Troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations and rescued eight Cameroonian nationals earlier kidnapped by sea pirates at the Ikang waterways in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State,” Maj. Gen. Onoja said. He added, “Similarly, about 80 militants presented themselves to troops with their arms and ammunition for amnesty at Akpabuyo LGA.”
The military also reported significant gains in other conflict zones across the country. In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised several Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in operations across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states from January 19 to 23. Seven terrorists were arrested, and four kidnap victims were rescued.
Operations in the North-West led by Operation Fansan Yamma resulted in terrorists being neutralised across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna states. Ten suspects were apprehended, and seven kidnapped victims were rescued.
In the North-Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested 11 suspected kidnappers and rescued six victims in operations spanning Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Furthermore, in the South-South, Operation Delta Safe destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 suspected oil thieves in Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers states.
Maj. Gen. Onoja emphasized that the military is intensifying coordinated operations across all theatres, combining ground and air forces with local security groups and non-kinetic measures to tackle terrorism, banditry, piracy, kidnapping, and oil theft.
