Army crushes terrorists, arrests 25, rescues 16 across Nigeria

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed scores of terrorists, apprehended 25 suspects, and rescued 16 kidnap victims in a series of coordinated offensives across theatres of operation.

A credible source at the Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the operations also led to the recovery of weapons, explosives, ammunition, petroleum products, motorcycles, and assorted illicit drugs.

In the North East, the source said troops dealt decisive blows to ISWAP/JAS elements in Kolori and Karumi communities of Konduga Local Government Area (LGA) in Borno State, and Madagali LGA of Adamawa State.

According to the source, a key logistics supplier was intercepted in Mafa LGA with 23 cans of petrol concealed in a bag.

“In Mubi North, soldiers foiled the smuggling of petrol and fertilisers, while in Garkida, a suspected terrorist confessed to involvement in previous attacks in Damboa.

Recovered items included one M70AB2 rifle, four magazines, and 150 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition,” he said.

In the North West, the source said troops of 1 Brigade repelled multiple terrorist attacks in Maradun, Tsafe, and Anka LGAs of Zamfara State.

He added that six kidnapped victims were rescued, and several motorcycles were seized.

A notorious kidnap kingpin was also arrested in Mayir Village, Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, following precise intelligence.

In the North Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised a violent extremist in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, while 10 abducted passengers were rescued along the Kyado–Wukari road.

In Kwara State, soldiers freed three kidnap victims near Eruku town, recovering a motorcycle.

In Nasarawa State, troops intercepted a vehicle loaded with drugs and arrested two suspects, including the consignee.

In the South East, troops arrested two cultists at Mgbidi, Imo State, recovering a pistol, phones, and a motorcycle.

They also disrupted IPOB/ESN activities in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State, where the criminals fled after detonating three improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

In the South South, security forces recovered two locally made double-barrel guns and 27 cartridges.

“In joint operations with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), troops arrested 19 drug dealers in Delta and Bayelsa states, recovering cannabis, tramadol, pentazocine, diazepam, and ‘Canadian loud’.

Additionally, in Rivers and Bayelsa, troops seized over 1,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and crude oil, while four suspected kidnappers were arrested in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State.”

Across the operations, troops recovered one M70AB2 rifle, four magazines, 150 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, two double-barrel guns, 27 cartridges, one pistol, several motorcycles, large consignments of petrol and fertilisers, IEDs, mobile phones and assorted illicit drugs.

The source reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal groups nationwide.

“Those who threaten the peace and security of the country will face devastating consequences, while communities will continue to enjoy protection to enable farming, economic recovery, and the Federal Government’s food security agenda,” the source said.