- Safiu Kehinde
No fewer than six suspected terrorists have been neutralised with 18 others arrest in a nationwide operation in nationwide operation by the Nigerian military troops.
As disclosed in a statement issued on Friday on the Nigerian Army’s official X handle, the feat recorded between 2nd to 4th of December also saw the rescue of nine kidnapped victims.
According to the statement, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE and allied formations carried out the operation across Plateau, Taraba, Kogi and Kaduna States.
Coupled with the arrest of the violent extremists, kidnappers and collaborators, substantial cache of weapons and ammunition including AK-47 rifles, magazines, a pump-action gun, Dane gun, pistol and several motorcycles were recovered across the theatres of operation.
In the same vein, troops of 13 Brigade in Cross River State intercepted militants attempting to move four abducted victims into Cameroon, rescuing all victims after a superior firefight.
In the North East, troops of 222 Battalion successfully neutralized six Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) and JAS terrorist at Shettimari Crossing Point in Borno State, recovering an AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds.
Additionally, troops of 21 SAB conducted clearance operations around ISWAP clusters in Bama LGA, recovering one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and five rounds while destroying terrorist life-support structures.
Across the North West, troops made several arrests including a terrorist collaborator in Kano, a suspected terrorist doctor travelling across states to treat wounded fighters, and criminals involved in kidnapping and armed robbery.
In Kebbi State, troops recovered belted PKT ammunition, clothing items, communication devices and solar charging kits, while a soldier linked to insurgents was apprehended in Taraba.
Meanwhile, joint operations involving the Nigerian Police and other security agencies in Kaduna State led to the arrest of six suspects and recovery of illicit drugs and two motorcycles.
Coordinated intelligence-driven operations further resulted in the arrest of kidnapping suspects and the recovery of weapons and communication gadgets in Plateau State.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its unshakable commitment to securing every part of the country.
It however urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue supporting security operations through timely information, stressing that collective cooperation remains vital in defeating all threats to national peace and stability.