December 31, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational gains across several theatres nationwide within the past 72 hours, neutralising 47 terrorists, arresting 19 criminal suspects and rescuing more than 30 kidnapped victims in coordinated land and air operations.
The Army said the operations were part of sustained nationwide offensives targeting terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening public safety and national security.
In Sokoto State, troops deployed from forward operating bases in Binji and Tangaza Local Government Areas (LGAs) carried out successful ambushes that led to the neutralisation of three suspected Lakurawa terrorists. Items recovered included an AK-47 rifle, a motorcycle, communication radios and mobile phones.
In Niger State, troops engaged armed terrorists riding on motorcycles in Munya LGA, killing one suspect and recovering weapons, ammunition and logistics.
Sustained patrols in Zamfara State’s Anka and Maru LGAs disrupted terrorist activities, neutralised two suspects, destroyed hideouts and rescued civilians who sustained gunshot wounds during the encounters.
In Kaduna State, operations in Sanga and Zango Kataf LGAs foiled attempted kidnappings and robberies, leading to the rescue of victims and the arrest of suspected cattle rustlers. Troops recovered a fabricated rifle, ammunition and rustled livestock.
Similarly, troops in Plateau State arrested three suspected cattle rustlers in Barkin Ladi and Wase LGAs, recovering motorcycles, knives, mobile phones and cash.
In the South-South, troops operating in Rivers State foiled suspected illegal activities along the Cawthorne Channel in Degema LGA, arresting two suspects and recovering tools believed to have been intended for sabotage. In Delta State, two wooden boats conveying about 1,700 litres of suspected stolen crude oil were intercepted.
In Imo State, troops arrested a suspect linked to the shooting of a civilian and handed him over to the police for further investigation.
An anti-illegal mining operation in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) also led to the arrest of 11 suspects, with a motorcycle and petroleum products recovered.
Meanwhile, the Air Component conducted precision strikes on Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram logistics bases and assembly points in Borno State, killing at least 42 terrorists. The Army said secondary explosions observed during the strikes indicated the destruction of weapons and explosives.
Across all theatres of operation, troops rescued more than 30 kidnapped victims, including women and children. The victims were evacuated to safety, provided with medical care where necessary and reunited with their families.
Items recovered during the operations included AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, communication radios, motorcycles and other logistics.
Commending the troops for their professionalism, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to intelligence-driven and joint operations aimed at safeguarding lives, property and critical national assets.
He assured that offensive operations would be sustained in collaboration with other security agencies until peace and stability are fully restored nationwide, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information to support military efforts.
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