The Nigerian Army has reported major successes in its recent counter-terrorism and internal security operations, with seven terrorists neutralized and ten others arrested in coordinated raids across the country between July 22 and 24.
According to Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, troops conducted intelligence-led missions across several flashpoints, yielding significant gains in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and violent crimes.
Key Operations and Outcomes
In Borno State, troops from the 151 Task Force Battalion ambushed fighters from ISWAP and the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction in Bula Daburu Village. Two insurgents were killed in the encounter, and troops recovered eight bicycles, food supplies, and mats used for logistics.
Elsewhere in Borno, the 222 Battalion carried out a successful ambush operation near Alau Dam in Konduga Local Government Area, eliminating another terrorist. In Bama, 19 individuals — including seven women and twelve children — surrendered to the 202 Battalion, citing worsening conditions in terrorist enclaves.
Operations in Niger State were equally decisive. Troops from Operation FANSAR YAMMA, backed by air support, killed several terrorists in Mahula Village. They recovered two AK-47 rifles, 18 motorcycles, and a cache of ammunition during the operation.
In Zamfara State, three terrorists were neutralized in Maradun Local Government Area by troops of 1 Brigade. The operation led to the recovery of more firearms, communication devices, and motorcycles. Troops also destroyed eight additional motorcycles in Anka LGA and recovered 78 rustled animals, which were returned to the rightful authorities.
Crackdown on Criminal Networks
In Plateau State, under Operation SAFE HAVEN, soldiers arrested several high-profile suspects linked to killings and attacks on security personnel. Among them were Dayabu Idris and Ardo Forof Ardo Habibu Mohammed. Troops recovered weapons and apprehended three others connected to the murder of a herder in Jos East.
Further south, Operation WHIRL STROKE troops in Benue State rescued three kidnap victims and killed one abductor during an operation in Gbise Town. In Enugu, two kidnap suspects were captured in Akwuke Forest. One was killed in a follow-up operation, which also led to the destruction of their hideout.
Disrupting Terrorist Logistics
In a major blow to insurgent networks, troops arrested two alleged logistics suppliers for ISWAP in Borno State. The suspects, apprehended in Ngala and Chibok LGAs, were found with food items, communication tools, and over ₦140,000 in cash.
Lt. Col. Anele emphasized that the military remains committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and dismantling criminal syndicates nationwide. She reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s resolve to act with professionalism in restoring peace and security across all regions.
