Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised 16 terrorists and recovered several weapons after repelling simultaneous attacks on military formations in Adamawa State.

The attacks occurred at about 1 a.m. on Thursday, when terrorists targeted troops of 226 Battalion (Motorised) in Garkida, Gombi Local Government Area, and 232 Battalion in Garaha, Hong Local Government Area.

According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, the troops successfully repelled the attacks, forcing the terrorists to retreat towards Garkida on motorcycles.

The Army’s Spartan element subsequently pursued the fleeing attackers and conducted strikes on their positions, killing 16 of the terrorists.

Weapons recovered during the operation included three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one Dane gun and six AK-47 magazines, as well as several cartridges.

The Army said troops were conducting follow-up operations while reorganising their defensive positions.

Troops rescue 10 prospective corps members in Imo

Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA have rescued 10 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State.

The victims were reportedly abducted from two commercial buses by suspected kidnappers at Umonuwa village along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Mbaise Local Government Area at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday.

The report said troops of 34 Artillery Brigade responded to the incident and rescued 10 of the prospective corps members.

Troops, working with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services, were also said to be pursuing the kidnappers and working to rescue the remaining victims.

One killed, three abducted in Taraba attack

In Taraba State, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE engaged suspected terrorists who attacked Gwamagira settlement in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.

The attackers, who reportedly operated on motorcycles, were forced to retreat after troops engaged them, abandoning rustled cattle.

The troops recovered the cattle and returned them to their owners. However, the attackers reportedly killed one civilian and abducted three others during the incident.

The military said efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

In the North-East, troops of Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI, arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province member at Babbangida in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The suspect was arrested at about 12:30 p.m. on September 29 and reportedly claimed to be an Islamic cleric operating in the Sahara area of the Niger Republic.

Preliminary investigations indicated that he travelled by truck from the Zarmadu-Sahara general area of Niger Republic into Nigeria before proceeding to Borno State.

Items recovered from him included a mobile phone, prayer mat, blanket, jacket, slate, detergent and N396,200 in cash.

The report also said troops of Sector 4, working with Rangers and Hybrid Forces, arrested four suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol in parts of Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa.

In Sokoto State, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA engaged suspected terrorists along the Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area.

The troops reportedly forced the terrorists to withdraw before taking control of the area through sustained patrols.