Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised 18 terrorists, arrested 37 suspects and rescued nine kidnapped victims during coordinated operations carried out across several states in the last 24 hours.
According to the Army, the operations were intelligence-led and conducted across multiple theatres, resulting in the recovery of weapons, ammunition and logistics items used by criminal and terrorist groups.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the Army said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and criminal syndicates across the country.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded significant operational successes across various theatres of operation within the last 24 hours, neutralising 18 terrorists, arresting 37 suspects and recovering several weapons and logistics items during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted nationwide,” the statement said.
The Army added that the operations also led to the rescue of nine kidnapped victims, further weakening the operational capacity of criminal and terrorist groups.
In the North-East, troops conducting exploitation operations after a recent terrorist attack on a military position in Goniri, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, discovered the bodies of nine neutralised terrorists along withdrawal routes.
“During the operation, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, two 60mm mortar bombs, two RPG bombs and nine belts of assorted ammunition,” the Army said.
In a separate operation in the Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State, troops working with local hunters carried out a cordon-and-search operation that led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine.
Elsewhere, troops responding to a distress call during a communal disturbance in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State were ambushed by armed men while returning from the mission.
“The troops swiftly repelled the attack, neutralising four gunmen and restoring normalcy to the area,” the Army stated.
Similarly, troops conducting ambush operations in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State made contact with terrorists, killing two insurgents and forcing others to flee.
In Edo State, soldiers carrying out offensive operations against kidnapping syndicates neutralised three suspected kidnappers along the Ijon River axis of Etsako West Local Government Area, recovering communication devices and other items.
Troops deployed under Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue State also rescued five kidnapped victims and arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator during a patrol based on actionable intelligence.
Security operations across other parts of the country led to additional arrests and the disruption of logistics networks supporting terrorist activities.
In Sokoto State, troops apprehended 15 suspects and recovered nine motorcycles and several jerrycans of fuel suspected to be intended for terrorist logistics.
Troops working with other security agencies in Kaduna State arrested four suspects during raids on criminal hideouts.
Similar operations in Delta State led to the arrest of four suspected armed robbers and six suspected drug peddlers, while troops in Zamfara State intercepted a weapons smuggling attempt, recovering an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and ammunition, and arresting two suspected recipients.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Army said the latest gains demonstrate sustained efforts by the Armed Forces to protect communities and safeguard the country.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its determination to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria. These operational gains underscore the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt criminal enterprises and safeguard communities across the country,” the statement said.
The Army also urged members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing credible and timely information to security agencies. #Securitynewsalert.com
