The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational successes across multiple theatres of operation nationwide, neutralising no fewer than 47 terrorists within the last 72 hours.
According to the Army, the coordinated land and air operations also led to the arrest of 19 criminal suspects, the rescue of over 30 kidnapped victims and the recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition and logistics. The operations formed part of the military’s sustained offensive against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening national security.
In the North-West and North-Central regions, troops acting on credible intelligence carried out aggressive ground operations. In Sokoto State, soldiers from forward operating bases in Binji and Tangaza Local Government Areas (LGAs) neutralised three Lakurawa terrorists during successful ambushes. Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, a motorcycle, communication radios and mobile phones.
Similarly, in Niger State, troops engaged armed terrorists riding 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. In Kaduna State, troops intervened in Sanga and Zango Kataf LGAs to foil armed robbery and kidnapping attempts, rescue victims and arrest suspected cattle rustlers. Recovered items included a fabricated rifle, ammunition and rustled livestock.
Comparable 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.
Operations in the South-South and South-East zones also yielded significant results. In Rivers State, troops thwarted planned illegal activities along the Cawthorne Channel in Degema LGA, arresting two suspects and recovering tools intended for sabotage. In Delta State, soldiers uncovered two wooden boats conveying about 1,700 litres of stolen crude oil, dealing a major blow to economic sabotage.
In Imo State, troops arrested a suspect linked to the shooting of a civilian and handed him over to the Nigerian Police for further investigation.
Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory, an anti-illegal mining operation in Gwagwalada resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects and the recovery of a motorcycle and petroleum products.
The Air Component of ongoing operations also delivered decisive blows to terrorist elements in the North-East. Precision airstrikes on confirmed ISWAP and 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. Follow-up strikes targeted fleeing terrorists and additional gatherings, further degrading their command and logistics capabilities.
Across the various theatres, Nigerian Army troops rescued over 30 kidnapped victims, including women and children. The victims were safely evacuated, provided with medical care where necessary and reunited with their families.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reiterated the Army’s commitment to intelligence-driven, joint and people-centric operations aimed at protecting lives, property and critical national assets. He assured Nigerians that the Army would continue to sustain offensive momentum in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies until lasting peace and security are achieved nationwide.
The Nigerian Army also called on law-abiding citizens to continue supporting and cooperating with security forces, stressing that public cooperation remains vital to the collective effort to secure the country.
