The Nigerian Army has neutralised 47 terrorists, arrested 19 criminal suspects, rescued over 30 kidnapped victims and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and other logistics across several theatres of operation within the last 72 hours
In a statement issued Wednesday, the coordinated land and air operations underscore the Nigerian Army’s sustained offensive against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening national security.
It said in the North West and North Central regions, troops conducted aggressive ground operations based on credible intelligence.
It added: “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.
“While in Kaduna State, troops’ interventions in Sanga and Zango Kataf LGAs foiled armed robbery and kidnapping attempts, rescued victims and led to the arrest of suspected cattle rustlers.”
It added that items recovered included a fabricated rifle, ammunition and rustled livestock.
It noted that 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.
It revealed that operations in the South-South and South-East zones also yielded notable results.
In Rivers State, it noted that troops thwarted planned illegal activities along the Cawthorne Channel in Degema LGA, 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.
Also, in Imo State, one suspect linked to the shooting of a civilian was arrested and handed over to the Nigerian Police for further investigation.
It said: “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, it stressed that the Air Component of ongoing operations delivered decisive strikes against terrorist enclaves in the North East.
It added that 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.
It added that follow-on strikes targeted fleeing terrorists and additional gatherings, further degrading their command, logistics and fighting capability.
“Across the various theatres, Nigerian Army troops rescued over 30 kidnapped victims, including women and children.
“The victims were safely evacuated, provided with medical attention where required and reunited with their families,” it said.
Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, communication radios, motorcycles, mobile phones and other logistics vital to criminal operations.