The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational gains across the country in the past three days, neutralising scores of terrorists, and apprehending no fewer than 17 criminal suspects.
A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the breakthroughs followed a series of coordinated raids, ambushes, and targeted strikes in Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Kebbi, Plateau, Taraba, and the South-East.
The source revealed that a total of 25 family members of Islamic States of West African Province (ISWAP) fighters surrendered to troops in the North-East.
According to the source, they surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion, operating in Bama Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno, on Aug. 11.
He said the 25 family members comprised 12 adult females and 13 children who surrendered from the Zalmari, Gazuwa, and Alafa axis.
“The surrendered persons are currently undergoing detailed profiling by the 21 Special Armoured Brigade.
“On the same day in Yobe State, troops of 233 Battalion, in conjunction with the Civilian JTF, conducted an ambush along the Sassawa–Kaburu route in Damaturu LGA, engaging terrorists, neutralising one, and recovering an AK-47 rifle,” he said.
In Zamfara, the source revealed that troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 5 foiled a planned terrorist attack on FOB Galadi in Shinkafi LGA, killing one terrorist and seizing a mobile phone used for operational coordination.
The source added that troops on Aug. 12, acting on intelligence from a rescued kidnap victim, stormed Gremasa Mountain in Shanga LGA of Kebbi and apprehended eight suspected kidnappers believed to be behind several recent abductions in the area.
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In Plateau, he said the troops of Sector 4, Operation Safe Haven, nabbed five suspected pipeline vandals at Kassa Village in Barkin Ladi LGA.
He said the suspects were caught with government-owned pipes and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation.
“Similarly, in Taraba, troops of Sector 3 FOB Wukari, under Operation Whirl Stroke, apprehended two suspected kidnap collaborators.
“Items recovered from them included POS machines, ATM cards, and cash believed to be linked to ransom transactions.
On Aug. 13, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade launched a coordinated offensive on an IPOB/ESN camp at Ndeji Community, a border area between Anambra, Abia, and Imo States.
“One armed member was neutralised, and troops recovered a pistol with ammunition, cartridges, handheld radios, components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mobile phones, and other operational equipment.
“Two IEDs planted by the criminals were safely destroyed by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
“These sustained operations demonstrate the Nigerian Army’s resolve to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their logistics, and deny them safe havens, while safeguarding farmers and communities,” the source said.
He reaffirmed that the army would maintain relentless pressure on terrorists, bandits, separatists, and other criminal groups until peace and stability are fully restored across all regions of the country. (NAN