By Deborah Nnamdi
In a series of coordinated military operations across Nigeria on Thursday, troops of the Nigerian Army neutralised more than 15 terrorists and recovered a variety of weapons and ammunition.
A credible source disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops have continued to achieve significant breakthroughs in the fight against terrorism and criminal activity nationwide.
In the North East, troops launched offensives on ISWAP and Boko Haram (JAS) strongholds in Tangalanga and Bula Marwa, located in the Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. The operations involved a joint force comprising the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, 152 Task Force Battalion, Hybrid Forces, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF).
During engagements in the area, three terrorists were neutralised, enemy structures were destroyed, and the troops recovered six AK-47 rifle magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a terrorist flag.
In Yobe State, troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade and Hybrid Forces conducted a successful ambush on ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Ngalda, Manjim, and Wulle villages in Gujba Local Government Area. Six terrorists were neutralised, and the troops seized three motorcycles and three bicycles.
In Kebbi State, following intelligence reports of terrorist activities, troops of the 223 Battalion carried out a fighting patrol in Yarkuka Village, Danko-Wasagu LGA. The soldiers engaged and neutralised several terrorists, recovering one AK-47 rifle in the process.
In a related operation, troops of the 1 Battalion pursued fleeing terrorists who had earlier injured civilians and rustled livestock in Mera Village, Augie LGA of Kebbi. The operation led to the recovery of 73 rams and 15 cows, which were returned to their rightful owners.
Also in Kogi State, troops of the 12 Brigade, working with local vigilante groups, neutralised a kidnapper in Igori village, Kabba/Bunu LGA, after a firefight. The remaining suspects reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
In Bauchi State, a violent extremist identified as Gambo Sani was killed in the Lame Burra Forest in Toro LGA after attempting to disarm soldiers during a transfer for further investigation. He had been arrested earlier by troops of the 33rd Artillery Brigade.
Similarly, in Kaduna State, a criminal suspect who was assisting troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in locating a terrorist hideout in Gwantu, Sanga LGA, attempted to escape. He was neutralised during the attempt, and his remains were handed over to the Nigerian Police.
Troops also safely detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Baga–Cross Kauwa route in Kukawa LGA, Borno, in an operation carried out by the 403 Amphibious Brigade.
In Taraba State, two arms dealers were arrested in Wukari LGA with an AK-47 rifle, 16 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, and a mobile phone.
Meanwhile, in Anambra State, personnel of the 302 Artillery Regiment and 14 Field Engineer Regiment arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN collaborator at Azia Junction in Ihiala LGA. The suspect allegedly extorted ₦1.5 million from a grieving family on behalf of the criminal group.
The source emphasized that these operations highlight the Nigerian Army’s continued resolve and professionalism in tackling terrorism and insecurity, ensuring stability across different regions, and protecting civilians nationwide.
