The Defence Headquarters has announced the rescue of 36 abducted persons and the killing of several terrorists in coordinated military operations conducted across the country between August 31 and September 3.

This was disclosed on Saturday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, in a statement on the ongoing campaign against insurgency and banditry.

According to Onoja, troops on September 1 neutralised one terrorist after an Improvised Explosive Device detonated along the Miyanti-Banki Junction main supply route in Bama, Borno State. A rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator were recovered from the scene.

In a separate encounter at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba, Yobe State, troops also killed another terrorist and recovered a rifle and ammunition.

The military said it intercepted a terrorist escapee around Sabsawa in Bama on August 31. The suspect said he fled captivity due to hunger and hardship. Another escapee was intercepted near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza, while a suspected terrorist spy was arrested along the Kauwa-Kukawa Road.

In Konduga, troops arrested a suspect for allegedly conveying foodstuffs to a terrorist enclave in Bama. On September 1, another suspect described as a former terrorist fighter turned informant was arrested at Damasak in Mobbar.

The DHQ further stated that 21 women and children surrendered to troops at Mafa and Dikwa on September 2, following clashes between rival terrorist factions.

In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensive operations in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara. During a raid on suspected hideouts at Kogo, Matazu in Katsina on August 31, troops neutralised two terrorist kingpins and wounded another.

The Defence Headquarters said operations are ongoing to dismantle terrorist networks and secure communities across the affected states.