The Defence headquarters has said it was prepared to tackle

the threat of attacks during May 29, handover ceremonies.

It also said troops fighting to rid the country of criminal

elements in several theatres of operation eliminated 53

terrorists, bandits and kidnappers while 269 terrorist

collaborators, oil thieves and criminal herdsmen were arrested

within the last fortnight.

The Defence Headquarters also revealed that more than 125

persons abducted by criminal elements in different parts of

the country were rescued from their abductors by troops after

fighting raids on their hideouts and enclaves.