In a series of operations targeting Boko Haram, the Daesh-linked Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and various criminal gangs, the Nigerian military confirmed the killing of 140 suspected terrorists and armed kidnappers last week. The operations spanned multiple regions across Nigeria, as stated by Nigerian Defence Headquarters spokesperson Edward Buba during the military’s weekly briefing on Thursday.
In addition to the neutralization of the suspects, the military operations resulted in the arrest of 135 individuals and the successful rescue of 76 people who had been kidnapped for ransom.
Nigeria has long been grappling with the scourge of attacks perpetrated by armed groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as rampant kidnappings carried out by numerous criminal gangs. In an effort to curb the abductions, some Nigerian states have resorted to introducing the death penalty for kidnapping. However, the practice remains prevalent, with armed groups frequently targeting villages, schools, and travelers in the northern regions, often demanding ransoms in exchange for the release of their captives.
The recent military operations demonstrate the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to combat the threat posed by these armed groups and restore security in the affected areas. The successful rescue of kidnapped individuals and the arrest of suspects are seen as positive steps towards weakening the operational capabilities of these groups and bringing those responsible to justice.
