. Recover three AK-47 Rifles, 251 Cows, others
Abuja: In a sweeping series of coordinated operations, Nigerian troops dealt a heavy blow to insurgent networks, apprehending a suspected Nigerien terrorist in Yobe and neutralising dozens across multiple states.
The military also recovered weapons, rescued victims, and thwarted criminal plots ranging from cattle rustling to illegal oil trade, underscoring a renewed surge in national security efforts.
A credible source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the suspect’s inability to speak any Nigerian language prompted further investigations into possible transnational ties.
He stated that the troops of the 120 Task Force Battalion in Katarko, Gujba Local Government Area, Yobe, conducted the operation.
In Borno, he revealed that two relatives of terrorists, an adult female and a child, voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 202 Battalion in Bama, after escaping from the Churchur axis.
The military source described the development as a sign of sustained pressure on insurgent enclaves.
In Sokoto State, the source revealed that troops of the 8 Division Garrison killed two armed elements in a fierce gun battle in Tsamaye and Mai Lalle, Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
He said that three AK-47 rifles and a motorcycle were recovered at the scene.
In Kebbi State, he said the troops of 1 Battalion Rear intercepted a cattle rustling attempt in Sauna Village, Argungu Local Government Area.
According to him, the rustlers abandoned 251 cows and fled, but the animals were subsequently recovered and returned to their owners.
Similarly, in Ondo State, the source said that troops of the 323 Artillery Regiment operating in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area, intercepted two suspected gunrunners attempting to purchase weapons.
According to him, the suspects were working under the instruction of an inmate at Kirikiri Correctional Facility in Lagos, who allegedly coordinated the illicit transaction to fuel criminal activities in Zamfara.
“In a related operation in Delta, troops discovered a tricycle loaded with about 200 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel along the Jeddo–Omadino axis in Warri South Local Government Area.
“In a separate clearance mission, seven suspects were arrested from a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
“Recovered items included a motorcycle, four mobile phones and other logistics materials,” he said.