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.