Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade have successfully neutralized a notorious terrorist leader identified as Mai Dada during a decisive counteroffensive in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to a reliable source involved in the operation, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeris, the mission, which unfolded between June 25 and 26, also led to the arrest of multiple suspects linked to terrorist activities.
Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, personnel from the 2 Battalion, who were on escort assignment in Birnin Gwari, clashed with armed men fleeing on a motorcycle.
The confrontation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
In addition, the source stated that “troops nabbed several suspects with more than 1,000 arms and ammunition in a series of operations across the country.”
In Borno State’s Gwoza Local Government Area, troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, while on a routine perimeter patrol in Ngoshe, discovered significant ammunition stockpiles.
“The troops recovered 408 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 1,200 rounds of 7.62mm, and two 40mm RPG bombs in known ISWAP/JAS withdrawal route,” the source said.
Elsewhere in the North East, troops of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade carried out a raid in Bama, eliminating three terrorists. During the operation, they seized a Dane gun and dismantled key terrorist life-support structures.
In Monguno, troops intercepted a vehicle suspected to be transporting supplies for terrorist elements.
“One suspect was arrested, and recovered items included 65 litres of PMS, four bags of rice, five bags of groundnuts, four bags of NPK fertilizer, tubers of yam, seven motorcycle headlights, 10 solar lights, 2,000 empty cement bags, four solar panels, and one mobile phone,” the source detailed.
In the North Central region, particularly Plateau State, troops under Operation Safe Haven launched coordinated offensives across several villages, including Tangur, Kwakas, Horop, Tulus, Jinak, and Hokk in Bokkos LGA. Using a UAV drone for surveillance, they navigated mountainous terrain and recovered a firearm abandoned by fleeing criminals.
“Also, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued five passengers and recovered one vehicle along Peykia – Wukari road in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue,” the source added.
In the South-South zone, security operations extended to Bayelsa and Cross River States, where troops of the 5 Battalion stationed in Otueke, Ogbia LGA, apprehended two suspects.
“They were found with two locally fabricated pistols and one round of 9 mm ammo,” the source confirmed.
In Edo State, operatives arrested a suspect in Etsako Central Local Government Area. The individual was found in possession of a pump-action rifle and cutlasses.
The Nigerian Army has reiterated its unwavering commitment to dismantling terrorist and criminal syndicates nationwide, emphasizing continued efforts to safeguard citizens and maintain peace.
The force maintains momentum in its operations against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats throughout the country.