Nigerian troops have rescued more than 70 abducted persons, recovered ₦10 million suspected to be ransom and arrested several suspected terrorists, kidnappers and arms dealers during nationwide operations conducted between October 15 and 22.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, outlining the results of military operations across different parts of the country.

Onoja said the rescued victims included 27 villagers abducted in Gamji community, Katsina State, and 29 residents who fled into nearby bushes during a terrorist attack in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

He added that troops rescued 11 passengers after suspected attackers assaulted a commercial bus along the Ayere-Kabba road in Kogi State.

In Kano State, troops reportedly tracked kidnappers to Falgore Forest, neutralised two suspects and rescued a victim abducted from Fanyabo village in Tudun Wada Local Government Area.

According to the defence spokesman, the troops recovered ₦10 million suspected to have been paid as ransom by the victim's family and handed both the money and the rescued victim over to the family.

Onoja also disclosed that troops arrested a wanted terrorist kingpin and an accomplice at the kingpin's residence in Mokwa, Niger State, recovering four mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash.

In the North-East, he said troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained offensive operations against terrorists in Borno and Yobe states.

He said suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators were arrested at Benisheikh Market in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State on October 16.

Further arrests were made in the two states, including individuals allegedly involved in supplying clothing materials used for terrorists' uniforms.

Onoja added that 19 terrorist fighters and their family members surrendered to, or were intercepted by, troops in Bama, Konduga, Mafa and Gwoza local government areas of Borno during the period.

He said the individuals reportedly cited hunger, hardship and clashes between rival terrorist factions as reasons for abandoning terrorist camps.

The military also rescued an abductee who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains and arrested suspected Islamic State West Africa Province members in Borno and Yobe.

Following an attack on troops' location at Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno, Onoja said clearance operations led to the recovery of eight AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 300 rounds of PKT ammunition, two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and chargers, a handheld radio and a motorcycle.

In the North-Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued five kidnap victims abandoned by their captors along the Okoloke-Isanlu-Esa route in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation also led to the rescue of a kidnapped herder in Nasarawa State and the arrest of a wanted gunrunner and militia leader in Jape village, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.

Onoja said a suspected arms dealer was arrested in Jalingo, Taraba State, over an alleged attempt to sell 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The suspect reportedly disclosed the location of three AK-47 rifles.

He added that troops subsequently arrested a suspected kidnapper and other members of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly operating with six AK-47 rifles in Taraba State.

In Benue, troops raided the residence of a militia leader at Abako in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area and destroyed the group's hideout.

In Plateau State, two people abducted while travelling to Jos were rescued, while three suspects were arrested during an operation at a suspected kidnappers' hideout in Riyom Local Government Area. One of the suspects was identified as an alleged logistics supplier.

Further operations in the South-East led to the arrest of five suspects over the kidnapping of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State.

Onoja said the operation, conducted around Irete and Orogwe in Owerri West Local Government Area, resulted in the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, an English pistol and 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

In Anambra State, troops responding to a suspected secessionist attack pursued fleeing suspects who abandoned a bus and escaped in another vehicle.

The troops recovered the bus, a pump-action gun and five cartridges.

In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe conducted an offensive operation against suspected kidnappers in Amendokhian Forest, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The operation led to the neutralisation of one suspect and the recovery of a pump-action rifle and six live cartridges.

Onoja further said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma engaged terrorists in Sokoto and Katsina states, recovering AK-47 rifles, motorcycles, ammunition and other equipment.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their resilience and acknowledged the collaboration of other security agencies.

He urged military personnel to remain disciplined, respect human rights and comply with the rules of engagement, warning that terrorists remained dangerous despite sustained military pressure.

Oluyede also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and youths to report security threats promptly, reject mob action and refrain from providing safe havens for criminals.

He urged the media to verify reports, particularly those involving sensitive communal issues, to prevent the escalation of tensions.

Onoja said the Armed Forces would sustain military operations until peace and security were restored across the country.