From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Army said its fight against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes has yielded positive results with the killing of scores of terrorists and the recovery of several arms, ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and other dangerous weapons across the country.
The army has promised to rid the country of criminals and safeguard the lives and property of all Nigerians.
On the successes recorded in the last few days, the army assisted troops of 24 Task Force Brigade and 50 Task Force Battalion, in the North East theatre, on Friday, July 4, uncovered 54 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) rigged in gas cylinders and wired in series beneath the Dikwa–Marte Bridge in Borno State. The devices, planted by ISWAP/JAS insurgents to sabotage critical infrastructure, were expertly neutralised by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists.
On the same day, coordinated ambushes by troops of 7 Division Garrison, in conjunction with local hunters and Hybrid Forces, resulted in the elimination of three terrorists at Platari and Komala in Konduga LGA. Troops recovered motorcycles, agrochemicals, and food items. Concurrently, 222 Battalion troops repelled an attempted infiltration of the Mandarari IDP Camp, neutralising several insurgents in the process. In another proactive engagement, the Acting Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General BMG Martins, led a surgical raid on terrorist hideouts in Mandaragirau, Nguma, Kimba, and Sabon Gari, resulting in the elimination of two terrorist scouts and the seizure of weapons.
The sustained operation led to the surrender of 14 family members of ISWAP/JAS fighters, consisting of eight women and six children. Additionally, a teenage terrorist of Buduma descent surrendered, along with a horse, to troops of 19 Brigade in Baga on Saturday, July 5.
In the North West zone, troops of 8 Division Garrison neutralised a terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle and a motorcycle along the Takatsaba, Sabon Birni route in Sokoto State. In Illela LGA, troops also arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators during a fighting patrol to Gudun village.
In the North Central zone, troops of 176 Guards Battalion intercepted two suspected arms couriers in possession of an AK-47 rifle along the Gwagwalada, Kuje road within the Federal Capital Territory. Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised an armed assailant and recovered a locally fabricated pistol with ammunition during a response to a civilian attack in Katsina-Ala LGA, Benue State. Furthermore, troops’ response to a kidnap incident in Zaki-Biam led to the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims after engaging the abductors in a fierce exchange of gunfire along the Kyado, Wukari road in Ukum LGA.
In the South-South region, troops of 6 Battalion uncovered 15 jerrycans containing approximately 450 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Ukanafun LGA of Akwa Ibom State. The illicit product was processed in accordance with established protocols, while the suspect fled on sighting troops.
In the South East, troops of 302 Artillery Regiment and 14 Field Engineer Regiment arrested three suspected IPOB/ESN informants in Ihiala LGA, Anambra State. Recovered items included mobile phones, cash, and a motorcycle. Additionally, troops safely detonated two IEDs found in the Nkwerre and Ihiala areas of Imo State.
These coordinated operations highlight the Nigerian Army’s sustained commitment to neutralising criminal threats and reinforcing national stability. The Army urges the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible and timely intelligence.