Abuja: Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed 17 terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, and rescued 10 kidnapped victims in a series of coordinated operations across the country within the last 48 hours.
A credible source at Army Headquarters told journalists that these achievements were recorded across several operational theatres nationwide.
According to the source, the apprehended suspects include Boko Haram informants, logistics suppliers, terrorist collaborators, drug peddlers, and kidnappers. Meanwhile, the rescued victims have been safely evacuated and are currently undergoing profiling and medical evaluation.
In the North East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai sustained aggressive counter-terrorism efforts through Operations Desert Sanity IV and Diligent Search, resulting in multiple engagements with Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno and Adamawa states.
Troops of the 202 and 222 Battalions reportedly came under ambush during an operation around Goni Kurmi and Kashomri villages in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno but fought gallantly and neutralized several terrorists.
Additionally, troops of the 195 Battalion, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), apprehended a notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP informant and ransom collector at the Customs IDP Camp in Jere Local Government Area. The suspect was tracked through monitored calls and bank transactions.
Troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle previously stolen by terrorists, rescued two kidnapped escapees, and apprehended three major logistics suppliers transporting food items and materials intended for ISWAP cells in Alagarno.
Similarly, in Adamawa State, troops of the 144 Battalion intercepted seven vehicles and nine motorcycles carrying 368 bags of cement suspected to be en route to terrorist enclaves in Madagali Local Government Area.
Troops also thwarted infiltration attempts in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno, with aerial support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). Other units recovered ₦4.77 million in cash, six mobile phones, and two bicycles abandoned by fleeing insurgents along the Maiduguri–Damboa Road.
In the North West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma conducted clearance and stabilization operations in Sokoto and Zamfara States. Sixty-nine suspected drug peddlers were arrested during raids in Sokoto South Local Government Area, while five terrorist collaborators were apprehended in Gudu Local Government Area.
Troops also rescued a civilian injured in a terrorist attack along the Faru–Bagabbuzi Road in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara.
In the North Central region, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued one kidnapped victim at Dorowa in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Another operation at Rawaya Village in Gashish District led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one revolver pistol, six magazines, and over 1,200 rounds of ammunition.
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke also apprehended two suspected kidnappers in Idadu Town, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Additionally, troops destroyed a terrorist camp and seized mobile phones and customized vehicle plates in Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
In the South South, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified efforts against oil theft. In Omoku, Rivers State, they intercepted a wooden boat carrying 840 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and arrested one suspect. Another patrol in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State seized a vehicle transporting 2,500 litres of illegal condensate.
Across all theatres, troops recovered no fewer than 15 assorted weapons, 21 magazines, and over 1,200 rounds of ammunition, along with cash and logistics materials.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to maintaining operational momentum and will continue to deny terrorists and criminal elements any freedom of action across the country,” the source added.
