Troops Neutralise 47 Terrorists, Arrest 19
The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational successes across several theatres of operation within the last 72 hours, neutralising 47 terrorists, arresting 19 criminal suspects, and rescuing over 30 kidnapped victims.
The troops also recovered cache of arms, ammunition and other logistics during the coordinated land and air operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening national security.
The Army said in the North West and North Central regions, the troops conducted aggressive ground operations based on credible intelligence, recording fantastic results.
In Sokoto State, troops from forward operating bases in Binji and Tangaza Local Government Areas (LGAs) neutralised three Lakurawa terrorists during successful ambushes, recovering 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.
Furthermore, troops’ interventions in Sanga and Zango Kataf LGAs of Kaduna State foiled armed robbery and kidnapping attempts, rescued victims and arrested some 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.
The operation in the South-South and South-East zones also yielded notable results, with troops troops thwarting planned illegal activities along the Cawthorne Channel in Degema LGA of Rivers, 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, while in Imo State, one suspect linked to the shooting of a civilian was arrested and handed over to the 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 delivered decisive strikes against terrorist enclaves in the North East.
The 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 while follow-up strikes targeted at the fleeing terrorists and additional gatherings, further degraded their command, logistics and fighting capability.
Across the various theatres, the troops rescued over 30 kidnapped victims, including women and children, who were safely evacuated, provided medical attention and reunited with their families.
Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, communication radios, motorcycles, mobile phones and other logistics used by the criminals.
The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu emphasised that intelligence-driven, joint and people-centric operations are critical to protecting lives, property and critical national assets.
The Army reassures the public of its commitment to sustaining the offensive, working closely with sister services and other security agencies, until lasting peace and security are achieved nationwide.
It urged for more support and cooperation of law-abiding citizens to achieve the collective objective of making Nigeria safer for all.
