- Safiu Kehinde
No fewer than 47 suspected terrorists have been neutralised with 19 other criminal suspects arrested across several theatres of operation withing the last the 72 hours, the Nigerian Army confirmed.
In what was described as major operational successes, the army, in a statement issued on its official X handle on Tuesday, also disclosed the rescue of 30 kidnapped victims with cache of arms, ammunition, and other logisitcs recovered.
According to the statement, the successes, which were recorded through coordinated land and air operations, underscored the Nigerian Army’s sustained offensive against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening national security.
As part of the aggressive ground operations conducted based on credible intelligence in the North West and Nort Central regions, troops from forward operating bases in Binji and Tangaza Local Government Areas of Sokoto state neutralised three Lakurawa terrorists during successful ambushes.
They recovered one AK-47 rifle, a motorcycle, communication radios, mobile phones and other items.
Similarly, in Niger State, troops engaged armed terrorists on motorcycles in Munya LGA, neutralising one terrorist and recovering weapons, ammunition, communication equipment and logistics.
In Zamfara State, sustained fighting patrols by troops in Anka and Maru LGAs disrupted terrorist activities, neutralised two terrorists, destroyed their hideouts and rescued civilians who had sustained gunshot wounds.
While in Kaduna State, troops’ interventions in Sanga and Zango Kataf LGAs foiled armed robbery and kidnapping attempts, rescued victims and led to the arrest of suspected cattle rustlers.
Items recovered included a fabricated rifle, ammunition and rustled livestock.
Similar successes were recorded in Plateau State, where troops arrested three cattle rustling suspects in Barkin Ladi and Wase LGAs, recovering motorcycles, knives, mobile phones and cash.
Operations in the South-South and South-East zones were also reported to have yielded notable results as troops thwarted planned illegal activities along the Cawthorne Channel in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, arresting two suspects and recovering tools intended for sabotage.
In Delta State, troops uncovered two wooden boats conveying about 1,700 litres of stolen crude oil, dealing a significant blow to economic sabotage.
In Imo State, one suspect linked to the shooting of a civilian was arrested and handed over to the Nigerian Police for further investigation.
In the Federal Capital Territory, an anti-illegal mining operation in Gwagwalada led to the arrest of 11 suspects and the recovery of a motorcycle and petroleum products.
Meanwhile, the Air Component of ongoing operations delivered decisive strikes against terrorist enclaves in the North East.
Precision air strikes on confirmed ISWAP/JAS logistics bases and convergence points in Borno State neutralised at least 42 terrorists, with secondary explosions confirming the destruction of weapons and explosives stockpiles.
Follow-on strikes targeted fleeing terrorists and additional gatherings, further degrading their command, logistics and fighting capability.
Across the various theatres, Nigerian Army troops rescued over 30 kidnapped victims, including women and children. The victims were safely evacuated, provided with medical attention where required and reunited with their families.
Reacting to the development, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reiterated the Force’s commitment to intelligence-driven, joint and people-centric operations aimed at protecting lives, property and critical national assets.
The Nigerian Army reassured the public of its commitment to sustaining offensive momentum, working closely with sister services and other security agencies and consolidating gains until lasting peace and security are achieved nationwide.