Troops neutralise 27 terrorists, rescue hostages in Nationwide operations
By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded major operational successes across multiple operation, neutralising 27 terrorists, arresting 10 suspected criminals, rescuing 8 kidnapped victims, and recovering arms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and other logistics during coordinated operations conducted nationwide over the last 48 hours.
The operations, driven by actionable intelligence and supported by joint land and air offensives, were carried out across Borno, Plateau, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to military authorities, the operations form part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist cells, combat kidnapping, and weaken criminal networks threatening national security.
In the North-East, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI launched precision air interdiction missions against terrorist enclaves in the Tumbuns area of . Battle damage assessments and human intelligence reports confirmed the elimination of 27 terrorists.
Military sources disclosed that 12 insurgents were neutralised during an airstrike on Dawoshe in , while another 15 terrorists were killed in a separate precision strike at Metele while ground troops in Borno also arrested a suspected terrorist along the Mandara,Girau,Sabon Gari axis.
According to reports recovered items included food supplies, communication devices, blankets, herbicides, and batteries believed to be meant for insurgents.
In a separate operation near Kareto, troops foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued six civilians 3 men and 3 women without injuries.
In the North-Central region, troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler during a raid with items recovered from the suspect including ammunition, an AK-47 magazine, a laptop, a mobile phone, and military-pattern clothing.
Similarly four suspected criminals were apprehended with a fabricated pistol and ammunition with further breakthroughs recorded where troops rescued 2 kidnapped victims after their abductors fled upon sighting advancing forces.
Follow-up operations, based on intelligence obtained from an arrested suspect, led to the discovery of a criminal hideout with security operatives recovering a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, communication devices, foreign and local currencies, and ₦1.8 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.
In the Federal Capital Territory, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted 2 suspected carjackers along the Abuja Lokoja Highway.
A stolen was recovered during the operation after which preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had allegedly stolen the vehicle in and were attempting to transport it out of the city for sale.
Meanwhile, in the South-South region, troops conducting anti-crude oil theft operations recovered about 325 litres of suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in sacks within a bush with the recovered petroleum products handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
The military noted the latest operational gains underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-led and joint operations in degrading terrorist and criminal networks across the country reaffirming its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement and ensuring the safety of citizens.
The military further urged members of the public to continue supporting security operations by providing timely and credible intelligence, describing civilian cooperation as a critical force multiplier in the ongoing effort to restore lasting peace and national security.