Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded significant operational successes across various theatres of operation within the last 24 hours neutralizing 18 terrorists arresting 37 suspects and recovering several weapons and logistics items during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted nationwide.
The operations which spanned multiple states also led to the rescue of 9 kidnapped victims further degrading the operational capacity of criminal and terrorist elements.
The Army authorities disclosure this in a post on Friday via its X handle @HQNigerianArmy.
The Army said: “In the North East theatre, troops conducting exploitation operations following the recent terrorist attack on a military location in Goniri Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State discovered nine neutralized terrorist corpses along withdrawal routes. During the operation troops recovered one AK-47 rifle two 60mm mortar bombs two RPG bombs and nine belts of assorted ammunition. In a separate operation in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State troops in collaboration with local hunters conducted a cordon and search operation which resulted in the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and an empty magazine.
“Further successes were recorded across other operational theatres. In Cross River State troops responding to a distress call during a communal disturbance in Obubra Local Government Area were ambushed by armed elements while returning from the mission. The troops swiftly repelled the attack neutralizing four gunmen and restoring normalcy to the area. Similarly troops conducting ambush operations in Kondunga Local Government Area of Borno State made contact with terrorists neutralizing two insurgents while forcing others to flee.
“In Edo State troops conducting offensive operations against kidnapping syndicates neutralized three suspected kidnappers along the Ijon River axis of Etsako West Local Government Area while recovering communication devices and other items. Additionally troops deployed under Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue State rescued five kidnapped victims and apprehended one suspected terrorist collaborator during a patrol operation based on actionable intelligence.
“Security operations across the country also led to the arrest of several criminal suspects and the disruption of logistics networks supporting terrorist activities. In Sokoto State troops apprehended 15 suspects and recovered nine motorcycles and several jerrycans of fuel suspected to be intended for terrorist logistics. In Kaduna State troops in collaboration with other security agencies arrested four suspects during raids on criminal hideouts. Similar operations in Delta State led to the arrest of four suspected armed robbers and six suspected drug peddlers while troops in Zamfara State intercepted a weapon smuggling attempt and recovered one AK-47 rifle a magazine and ammunition leading to the arrest of two suspected recipients.
The Nigerian Army said it remains resolute in its determination to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“These operational gains underscore the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks disrupt criminal enterprises and safeguard communities across the country”, it said.
The Nigerian Army therefore urged members of the public to continue supporting ongoing operations by providing credible and timely information to security agencies while remaining confident in the Armed Forces’ commitment to ensuring a safe and secure nation.