Nigerian Army troops deployed across multiple theatres of operation have neutralised 18 terrorists, rescued 14 kidnapped victims, and apprehended 47 suspects in intensified offensives over the past 48 hours.
A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that the operations also yielded the recovery of arms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, livestock, and other logistical materials.
In the North-East, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion repelled an ISWAP/JAS attack around Dutsen Nonu in Biu Local Government Area on Saturday morning. The forces neutralised 15 terrorists through coordinated ground and air interdiction and destroyed two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).
The source added that two ISWAP/JAS logistics suppliers were apprehended at the Customs General area in Maiduguri with materials suspected for IED fabrication, including nails, terrorists’ clothing, nets, insecticides, and shovels. Preliminary investigations confirmed their links to the terror network, and they were handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN Yamma intervened in a communal clash in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa. The forces also intercepted terrorists in Zamfara and Kebbi, rescuing injured civilians and recovering a motorcycle.
“In Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, troops and hunters apprehended a suspected kidnapper at Godogodo village.
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“Under Operation Peace Shield, troops recovered 110 cows and 46 sheep after dislodging violent extremists in Wase LGA, Plateau, with efforts ongoing to identify the rightful owners.
“Troops also intercepted 11 migrants from Niger Republic travelling without valid documents in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River and were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service.
“Meanwhile, in Edo, troops of 195 Battalion on Operation WABAIZIGAN arrested 33 suspected Aiye cult members during a snap check along Avielle Road in Etsako West Local Government Area.
“They were intercepted in two Toyota Sienna buses and a Lexus RX350 at about 6:50 am on Saturday.
“Items recovered included three pump-action guns, nine cartridges, cutlasses, 35 mobile phones, power banks, a WiFi device, two motorcycles and face masks.
“The suspects reportedly confessed to returning from an initiation ceremony in Agbede Forest,” he said.
In Taraba, the source said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued two victims after a kidnap incident in Amadu town, Kurmi Local Government Area,adding that two victims escaped from their abductors, while efforts were on to rescue the remaining two.
The military source reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian army to sustain the tempo of operation across the country to continue to safeguard the citizens.
(NAN)
