The Nigerian Army has intensified its nationwide operations, neutralising 18 terrorists, rescuing 14 kidnapped victims and arresting 47 suspects within the last 48 hours.
the operations, carried out across multiple theatres, also led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, livestock, vehicles, motorcycles and other logistics items.
North-East Operations
Troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion repelled an ISWAP/JAS attack around Dutsen Nonu in Biu Local Government Area early Saturday.
According to the source, the troops, supported by air interdiction, neutralised 15 terrorists and destroyed two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).
Additionally, troops arrested two suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics suppliers in Maiduguri’s Customs area. Items recovered included nails suspected for IED fabrication, terrorist clothing materials, nets, insecticides and shovels. Preliminary investigations confirmed their links to the terror network, and they have been handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade.
North-West and North-Central Activities
- Troops of Operation FANSAN Yamma intervened in a communal clash in Guri LGA, Jigawa State.
- Forces intercepted terrorists in Zamfara and Kebbi States, rescued injured civilians and recovered a motorcycle.
- In Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State, troops working with hunters arrested a suspected kidnapper at Godogodo village.
- Under Operation Peace Shield, troops dislodged violent extremists in Wase LGA, Plateau State, recovering 110 cows and 46 sheep. Efforts are ongoing to identify the rightful owners.
In Cross River, troops intercepted 11 migrants from Niger Republic travelling without valid documents in Yakurr LGA. They were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service.
South-South Operations
Troops of 195 Battalion, operating under Operation WABAIZIGAN in Edo State, arrested 33 suspected Aiye cult members during a snap check along Avielle Road in Etsako West LGA.
The suspects, intercepted in two Toyota Sienna buses and a Lexus RX350 at about 6:50 a.m. on Saturday, were found with:
- Three pump-action guns
- Nine cartridges
- Cutlasses
- 35 mobile phones
- Power banks
- A WiFi device
- Two motorcycles
- Face masks
They reportedly confessed to returning from an initiation ceremony in Agbede Forest.
Rescue Operations in Taraba
In Kurmi LGA, Taraba State, troops under Operation Whirl Stroke rescued two kidnap victims in Amadu town. Two other victims escaped, while efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining two.
The military source reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal groups nationwide to ensure the safety and security of citizens.