Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded major victories against terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal groups in coordinated nationwide operations, killing scores of insurgents, arresting 25 suspects, and rescuing 16 hostages.
A senior military source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the offensives also led to the recovery of weapons, explosives, petroleum products, motorcycles, and assorted illicit drugs.
In the North East, troops struck ISWAP and Boko Haram elements in Kolori and Karumi communities of Konduga LGA in Borno and Madagali LGA in Adamawa. A key logistics supplier was intercepted in Mafa with 23 cans of petrol hidden in a bag. Soldiers in Mubi North also foiled smuggling attempts involving petrol and fertilizers, while a suspect in Garkida confessed to involvement in previous attacks.
Recovered items included an M70AB2 rifle, four magazines, and 150 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
In the North West, troops of 1 Brigade repelled terrorist attacks in Maradun, Tsafe, and Anka LGAs of Zamfara, rescuing six kidnapped victims and seizing several motorcycles. In Kaduna, a notorious kidnap kingpin was arrested in Mayir Village, Sanga LGA, following precise intelligence.
In the North Central, Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized an extremist in Katsina-Ala, Benue State, and rescued 10 abducted passengers along the Kyado–Wukari road. Troops also freed three kidnap victims near Eruku town in Kwara, while in Nasarawa, a vehicle loaded with drugs was intercepted and two suspects arrested.
In the South East, soldiers arrested two cultists in Mgbidi, Imo State, recovering a pistol, phones, and a motorcycle. In Anambra’s Orumba North LGA, troops disrupted IPOB/ESN activities after criminals detonated three IEDs before fleeing.
In the South South, security forces recovered two locally made double-barrel guns, 27 cartridges, and seized over 1,200 litres of illegally refined AGO and crude oil. Joint operations with the NDLEA in Delta and Bayelsa led to the arrest of 19 drug dealers and the recovery of cannabis, tramadol, diazepam, pentazocine, and Canadian loud. Four suspected kidnappers were also arrested in Oshimili North, Delta State.
Overall, troops recovered rifles, pistols, magazines, ammunition, IEDs, motorcycles, fuel, fertilizers, and illicit substances across the regions.
The military source reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s resolve to maintain pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, and criminals, stressing that anyone threatening peace and national security will face “devastating consequences.” He added that the operations are aimed at ensuring security for farming, economic recovery, and the Federal Government’s food security agenda.
