The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational gains, eliminating several terrorists, arresting 25 suspects, and freeing 16 abducted persons during a series of coordinated offensives in multiple regions.
Sources at Army Headquarters confirmed that the raids also led to the recovery of arms, explosives, ammunition, petroleum products, motorcycles, and large quantities of illicit substances.
In the North East, troops carried out strikes against ISWAP/JAS fighters in Kolori and Karumi communities in Borno State as well as Madagali in Adamawa State.
A key logistics courier was intercepted in Mafa with 23 cans of petrol hidden in a sack. In Mubi North, soldiers stopped an attempt to smuggle petrol and fertilizer, while in Garkida, a captured insurgent admitted to involvement in past attacks.
Recovered items from these operations included an M70AB2 rifle, four magazines, and 150 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
In the North West, soldiers from 1 Brigade repelled waves of terrorist attacks in Maradun, Tsafe, and Anka LGAs of Zamfara, rescuing six hostages and seizing several motorcycles. A notorious kidnap ringleader was also captured in Mayir Village, Sanga LGA, Kaduna State.
Meanwhile, in the North Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised an armed extremist in Katsina-Ala, Benue State, and rescued 10 kidnapped commuters on the Kyado–Wukari road. Soldiers also freed three victims near Eruku town in Kwara, seized a motorcycle, and intercepted a vehicle filled with narcotics in Nasarawa, leading to two arrests.
In the South East, two suspected cultists were picked up in Mgbidi, Imo State, with a pistol and motorcycle recovered. Troops also disrupted IPOB/ESN activity in Orumba North, Anambra, forcing the group to abandon the scene after detonating three improvised explosive devices.
In the South South, troops confiscated locally made guns, 27 cartridges, and partnered with the NDLEA to arrest 19 drug traffickers in Delta and Bayelsa, recovering cannabis, tramadol, diazepam, pentazocine, and Canadian loud. In Rivers and Bayelsa, over 1,200 litres of illegal crude and AGO were seized, while four kidnap suspects were apprehended in Oshimili North, Delta State.
Overall, troops recovered a variety of weapons, motorcycles, explosives, fuel consignments, mobile phones, and drugs during the nationwide clampdown.
Military authorities assured that the tempo of operations will remain high until terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements are decisively defeated, while communities will continue to be safeguarded to enable farming, economic revival, and national food security goals.