The Nigerian Army has intensified its campaign against insurgents and criminal groups across the country, recording a series of operational victories in recent days.
According to a reliable military source who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria, troops launched coordinated offensives on Friday across various operational theaters, leading to the elimination of several terrorists, arrests of key suspects, and the recovery of weapons and stolen livestock.
In the North East, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade carried out a precise ambush operation along the Lambawa, Kalari axis in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
The mission, executed in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and other state security outfits, resulted in the death of an Islamic State West Africa Province fighter.
The source disclosed that during the operation, security forces recovered a Dane gun, a bicycle, and motorcycle components, thereby crippling the insurgents’ movement and logistical capabilities.
“In another strategic win, troops facilitated the surrender of 26 ISWAP family members, including women and children, across the Gwoza, Bama and Damboa axis of Borno.
“One of the surrendered insurgents revealed he had fled a terrorist training camp, underscoring the mounting pressure on terror cells.
“The surrendered individuals are currently undergoing thorough screening and profiling,” he said.
The source also highlighted the efforts of the 117 Task Force Battalion, who alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force, successfully defused multiple Improvised Explosive Devices planted in the Chibok area.
This, he noted, prevented a potentially devastating attack on both military personnel and civilians.
Elsewhere in Niger State, troops conducted a follow-up operation in Awallah Village, Mariga Local Government Area, following a prior airstrike.
During the mission, they recovered 95 cows, 37 calves, and 12 sheep previously rustled by terrorists. Evidence from the scene, including blood trails, pointed to the neutralisation of high-value terrorist operatives during the earlier air assault.
“Simultaneously, troops conducting security operations across Taraba, Delta, and Bayelsa States apprehended seven criminal suspects linked to various crimes.
“Among them was a known associate of a wanted extremist kingpin captured in Wukari,” he added.
In Delta State, a joint effort involving army personnel and Department of State Services operatives led to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers in Ughelli North.
In Bayelsa’s Southern Ijaw area, a woman believed to be a criminal informant was apprehended along with a male companion found with fake military credentials.
The source noted that the operation uncovered damning materials including mobile phones, radios, narcotics, improvised weapons, and military gear.
“Investigations are ongoing to unearth further links and retrieve additional weapons tied to these criminal networks.
“These sustained successes underscore the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to stamp out terror and criminality.
“With relentless courage and professionalism, the troops continue to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity and restore peace to affected communities,” he added.
