The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Friday said troops “Patrolling near Assak village in Bassa LGA cased down two armed criminals, who abandoned a sack containing Two Million, Two Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira (N2,290,000) only in suspected ransom cash”.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Michael Onoja, who made this disclosure in a release on Military operations covering 15 and 21 May, assured that appreciable gains were being recorded by troops across all theatres.

He urged the public to remain highly vigilant, reject criminal propaganda, and sustain support for the military through timely, actionable intelligence, to guarantee a safe, secure and peaceful nation.

Onoja said: “Through highly synchronised land, air, and maritime campaigns, troops have successfully neutralised dozens of hostile combatants, dismantled deeply entrenched insurgent enclaves, and forced the unconditional surrender of terrorists.

“Furthermore, the sweeping disruption of illegal oil bunkering rings in the Niger Delta, the massive interdiction of illicit arms, narcotics, and terrorist logistics lines across the North Central and North West, and the rescue of numerous citizens held in captivity collectively demonstrate an overwhelming restoration of state authority. 15.

“The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede GCOR, commends the exceptional bravery, tactical precision, and unwavering resilience demonstrated by troops across all operational theatres.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility, as troops continue to operate under strict adherence to international humanitarian law, rules of engagement, and the defence of constitutional democracy.