Joy Yesufu with Agency Report
The Nigerian Army has intensified nationwide counterinsurgency operations, eliminating 18 terrorists, rescuing 14 kidnapped victims and arresting 47 suspects within the last 48 hours.
A senior military source confirmed the developments on Tuesday, noting that troops also recovered arms, ammunition, livestock, vehicles, motorcycles and other logistics across multiple theatres of operation.
According to the source, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion in the North-East successfully repelled an ISWAP/JAS attack around Dutsen Nonu in Biu Local Government Area on Saturday morning.
The operation resulted in the neutralisation of 15 terrorists through coordinated ground and air strikes, as well as the destruction of two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).
Two suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics suppliers were also arrested in the Customs General area of Maiduguri.
They were found with materials believed to be used for Improvised Explosive Device (IED) fabrication, including nails, nets, insecticides, shovels and clothing. Preliminary investigations confirmed their links to the terror group, and they have been handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade.
In the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN Yamma intervened in a communal clash in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The Army also interdicted terrorists operating in Zamfara and Kebbi states, rescuing injured civilians and recovering a motorcycle during the engagements.
A suspected kidnapper was apprehended in Godogodo village, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, in a joint operation involving troops and local hunters.
Under Operation Peace Shield, troops recovered 110 cows and 46 sheep after dislodging violent extremists in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. The military is working to identify and return the livestock to their rightful owners.
In Cross River State, 11 migrants from Niger Republic were intercepted in Yakurr Local Government Area for travelling without valid documents. They have been transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action.
Troops of the 195 Battalion in Edo State arrested 33 suspected Aiye cult members during a snap check along Avielle Road in Etsako West Local Government Area at about 6:50 a.m. on Saturday. The suspects were travelling in two Toyota Sienna buses and a Lexus RX350. Recovered items include three pump-action rifles, nine cartridges, cutlasses, 35 mobile phones, power banks, a WiFi device, two motorcycles and face masks. The suspects reportedly confessed to returning from an initiation ritual in Agbede Forest.
In Taraba State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued two kidnap victims following an abduction in Amadu town, Kurmi Local Government Area. Two other victims escaped from their captors, while efforts are continuing to rescue the remaining two.
The military source reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining nationwide operations to ensure the safety and security of citizens.
