From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Army said its fight against terrorism, banditry and other violent crime has yielded positive results with the killing of scores of terrorists and recovery of several arms, ammunitions, Improvised Explosive Devices(IED), among other dangerous weapons across the country.
This is just as the army has promised to rid the country of criminals and
safeguard 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 July 4, uncovered 54 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 the critical infrastructure were expertly neutralised by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists.
It said 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 LG. 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, 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.
It further stated that the sustained operation led to the surrendering 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 July 5.
In the North West zone, the army said 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.
Also In the North Central, 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 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 LG.
Similarly 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 LG of Akwa Ibom State. The illicit product was processed in accordance with established protocols, while the suspect fled on sighting troops.
Meanwhile, in the South East, troops of 302 Artillery Regiment and 14 Field Engineer Regiment arrested three suspected IPOB/ESN informants in Ihiala LG, Anambra State. Recovered items include:mobile phones, cash and a motorcycle. Additionally, troops safely detonated two IEDs found in Nkwerre and Ihiala area 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.