Nigerian Army troops have eliminated eight notorious terrorist fighters and recovered a haul of firearms in the North East.
Also in the recent round of operations, a network involved in kidnapping for ransom was smashed, with victims freed and an arms supplier captured.
The army in a statement issued Monday said on 22 September, 2024, troops stationed in Borno State thwarted an attempt by terrorists to raid villages for supplies and logistics.
It said after an intense firefight, three of the assailants were taken out, while the troops recovered one light machine gun, one AK-47 rifle, two hand grenades, five AK-47 rifle magazines, 200 linked Rounds of light Machine Gun and other materials, including ₦15,000 and a Techno phone seized at the scene.
It added that in another clash, while acting on credible information, troops cornered terrorists escorting abducted victims through Uvaha village in Gwoza Local Government Area.
It said despite heavy rainfall, the troops went after the terrorists and eliminated one of them, forcing the others to flee, leaving behind 16 hostages.
It noted that among the freed victims were 10 men and six women.
It added that a follow-up search of the area uncovered two grenades, a bag of fish and sundry items.
Meanwhile, in Yobe State, troops set up a well-planned ambush while acting on intelligence about a group of terrorists receiving supplies from their collaborators.
“This led to the neutralisation of four terrorists in Madza and Azare villages of Gujba Local Government Area. The soldiers captured 2 AK-47 rifles and 2 empty Ak-47 rifle magazines, as well as other sundry items,” it said.
Relatedly, it revealed that troops deployed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja also acted on credible intelligence information about the movement of a terrorists collaborator who specialises in supplying arms and ammunition to terrorists.
It stressed that the troops in synergy with other security agencies activated a stop and search operation on suspected vehicles, leading to the arrest of a suspect at Kugbo general area of FCT.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of 178 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition concealed in a bag of flour.
Also recovered from the suspect is a mobile phone and the sum of ₦29,000.