Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 13 suspects, and rescued 15 kidnap victims in a series of coordinated operations across the country.
A military source confirmed to newsmen that the operations, conducted between August 29 and 31, also led to the recovery of a cache of high-calibre weapons, ammunition, explosives, and illegally refined petroleum products.
In the Northwest, troops of 17 Brigade in Katsina State and 1 Brigade Combat Team in Zamfara State successfully rescued 12 kidnap victims from terrorist captivity. Similar breakthroughs were recorded in the Northcentral and Southeast, where troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Nasarawa State and 34 Artillery Brigade in Imo State freed three more victims during raids on terrorist hideouts.
The crackdown was further intensified in Kebbi and Sokoto States, where a combined team comprising 1 Battalion Rear, security agencies, and local vigilantes arrested six suspected members of the notorious Lakurawa terrorist group. Items recovered during the raids included logistics supplies and cash.
In the Southeast, troops recorded a major success against IPOB/ESN fighters in Imo State. They destroyed several sentry posts, dismantled an improvised explosive device (IED) factory, and safely disposed of explosives planted along major routes.
Meanwhile, in the Niger Delta, troops intercepted and destroyed large quantities of illegally refined petroleum products. Two suspects were arrested in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States with over 2,500 litres of stolen fuel.
According to the source, the sustained nationwide operations underscore the military’s determination to stamp out terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality across Nigeria.
