The Nigerian Army has reported major successes in recent counter-terrorism operations across several states, with troops killing numerous terrorists, arresting suspects, and recovering arms and logistics equipment in a series of coordinated missions.
In a statement issued Saturday in Abuja, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, disclosed that between July 22 and 24, soldiers neutralised seven terrorists, apprehended 10 criminal suspects, accepted the surrender of 19 family members of insurgents, and seized various weapons and supplies.
Providing further details, Anele said that in Borno State, troops of the 151 Task Force Battalion carried out an ambush operation in Bula Daburu Village, eliminating two ISWAP/JAS fighters and capturing logistics items such as eight bicycles, food supplies, and mats.
In a separate encounter in the same state, troops from the 222 Battalion “neutralised one terrorist during an ambush ahead of Alau Dam in Konduga Local Government Area.”
She added that 19 relatives of terrorists, “comprising seven adult females and 12 children,” turned themselves in to the 202 Battalion in Bama, citing “unbearable conditions in terrorist enclaves.”
In Niger State, operations under FANSAN YAMMA Sectors 1 and 2, conducted in conjunction with the air component, struck terrorist elements in Mahula Village.
The mission resulted in the neutralisation of multiple fighters and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 18 motorcycles, and assorted ammunition.
Similarly, in Zamfara State, troops under the 1 Brigade engaged terrorists in Maradun Local Government Area, killing three and recovering weapons, motorcycles, and communication devices.
Anele noted that “eight motorcycles were also destroyed in the Anka Local Government Area, while 78 rustled livestock were recovered and handed over to appropriate authorities.”
On the Plateau front, she confirmed the arrest of high-profile criminal suspects by Operation SAFE HAVEN troops.
“Dayabu Idris and Ardo Forof Ardo Habibu Mohammed,” she stated, were apprehended “for their involvement in killings, kidnappings, and attacks on security personnel.”
Troops also seized an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, while three other suspects connected to the killing of a herder in Jos East were arrested.
Elsewhere, in Gbise Town, Benue State, personnel of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised a kidnapper and freed three abducted individuals.
In Enugu State, two suspected kidnappers were apprehended in Akwuke Forest. “One suspect was neutralised during a follow-up operation, and their hideout was destroyed,” Anele added.
In a final highlight, she revealed that two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers were intercepted in Borno’s Ngala and Chibok Local Government Areas. Recovered items included food supplies, communication gadgets, and over ₦140,000 in cash.
“These arrests disrupted the supply chain of terrorist groups in the region,” she said.
Lt.-Col. Anele concluded by reaffirming the military’s unwavering dedication to the nation’s security, “The Nigerian Army remains resolute and professional in its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity, protecting citizens, and degrading all forms of terrorism and criminality across the country.”