Troops of the Nigerian military have neutralised 42 suspected terrorists in separate ground and air operations in Adamawa and Borno states, while rescuing three kidnapped persons and arresting 13 suspected illegal miners in the Federal Capital Territory.
The operations also led to the recovery of several weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and other items, according to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.
In Adamawa State, troops of the 226 Battalion, working alongside local hunters and Rangers, repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at Zangula-Kilba Junction in Gombi Local Government Area.
Two suspected terrorists were killed during the confrontation, while troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, a mobile phone, a wristwatch, a camel bag and N15,000.
In a separate operation in Borno State, military surveillance platforms detected a gathering of suspected terrorists about 1.5 kilometres north-west of Wulgo-Momaduru in Ngala Local Government Area.
The report said an initial attempt by an aircraft to strike the location was unsuccessful due to a malfunction involving its munition.
Another aircraft was subsequently deployed to engage the targets, with a precision strike reportedly killing 30 suspected terrorists and destroying a motorcycle.
A follow-up airstrike targeting fleeing insurgents who had taken cover under trees resulted in the death of 10 additional suspects.
The military report noted that multiple secondary explosions were recorded following the strikes, while other terrorists were seen escaping from the area.
Meanwhile, troops of the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion, supported by local hunters, rescued three kidnapped persons around Dutse-Uku in Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
During the operation, the troops recovered a motorcycle, a tricycle carrying 15 bags of beans and a vehicle conveying 13 bags of groundnuts, all reportedly belonging to the rescued victims.
In another development, 13 suspected illegal miners were arrested by troops of the 7 Guards Battalion at a newly excavated mining site in the Shere general area of Bwari Area Council, Abuja.
The suspects were apprehended at about 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday and are currently in military custody for further action.
The report also disclosed that troops of the 114 Battalion (Rear) engaged suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol to Komodoro and Mashigin Kirya communities in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The suspected terrorists reportedly fled after the initial encounter, while another group was forced to retreat following a subsequent exchange with the troops.
The military said five motorcycles were recovered during the operation, while troops also carried out an 81mm mortar fire mission along the suspected terrorists’ escape route.
In Rivers State, troops of the 6 Division uncovered four illegal crude oil refining sites in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area.
The operation led to the recovery of 85 sacks of suspected stolen crude oil, estimated at 4,420 litres, as well as ovens, drums, pipes and other equipment used for illegal refining activities.
The military said all recovered items were handled in accordance with existing regulations.
The latest operations form part of ongoing military efforts to tackle terrorism, kidnapping, illegal mining and crude oil theft across different parts of the country.
