The Nigerian Army has announced a series of decisive victories against terrorist and criminal elements across the country, delivering a significant blow within a tight 72-hour operational window. Through coordinated land and air assaults, troops eliminated forty-seven terrorists, apprehended nineteen suspects, and successfully rescued more than thirty kidnapped victims.
Multi-Regional Ground Assaults Yield Results
Intelligence-driven ground operations were executed across several conflict-prone regions. In the North West, soldiers from forward operating bases in Sokoto State's Binji and Tangaza areas ambushed and neutralised three Lakurawa terrorists. The engagement led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a motorcycle, and communication devices.
Operations extended to Niger State, where troops clashed with armed terrorists on motorcycles in Munya Local Government Area, killing one and seizing weapons and logistics. Simultaneously, in Zamfara State, sustained patrols in Anka and Maru disrupted terrorist activities, resulting in two terrorists killed, their hideouts destroyed, and wounded civilians rescued.
Further successes were recorded in Kaduna State, where army interventions foiled armed robbery and kidnapping attempts in Sanga and Zango Kataf. Suspected cattle rustlers were arrested, and stolen livestock was recovered. In Plateau State, three cattle rustling suspects were apprehended in Barkin Ladi and Wase, with items like motorcycles and cash confiscated.
Aerial Dominance in the Northeast Theatre
The Air Component of the operations focused its might on the Northeast, specifically Borno State. Precision airstrikes were conducted on confirmed logistics bases and convergence points used by ISWAP and JAS factions. The army reported that these strikes neutralised at least 42 terrorists.
Officials stated that secondary explosions observed after the initial hits confirmed the destruction of stockpiled weapons and explosives. Follow-up strikes were then directed at fleeing terrorists and additional gatherings, maximising the impact of the aerial campaign.
Securing the South and Centre
Operations were not limited to the northern regions. In the South-South, troops in Rivers State arrested two suspects along the Cawthorne Channel in Degema, recovering tools intended for sabotage. In Delta State, a significant blow was dealt to economic saboteurs with the discovery and seizure of two wooden boats carrying approximately 1,700 litres of stolen crude oil.
In the South-East, troops in Imo State arrested a suspect linked to the shooting of a civilian and transferred him to the police. Within the Federal Capital Territory, an anti-illegal mining operation in Gwagwalada led to the arrest of eleven suspects and the recovery of a motorcycle and petroleum products.
Across all theatres, the recovered arsenal from these operations included AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, communication radios, motorcycles, and mobile phones. The rescued victims, which included women and children, received medical attention and were reunited with their families.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reiterated the force's commitment to sustaining these intelligence-driven and people-centric operations. The army reassured citizens of its determination to maintain offensive momentum and collaborate with sister security agencies until lasting peace and security are firmly established nationwide.
