At least 25 members across several insurgent groups, including Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, violent extremists and kidnappers have been killed by Nigerian Army troops nationwide.
Disclosing the details of the operations, the source said troops killed ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Karumi in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, and Kolori in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The source said troops arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, confiscating 23 containers of petrol concealed in a bag, and also intercepting a logistics runner smuggling petrol and fertilisers in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
“In Garkida, Adamawa State, a terrorist who confessed to participating in past attacks in Damboa Local Government Area was apprehended. Items recovered in the theatre include one M70AB2 rifle, four magazines, and 150 rounds of 7.62mm NATO,” the source explained.
According to the source, soldiers from the 1 Brigade in Zamfara State have continued to limit the operational space for terrorist groups in the Northwest region. This success includes thwarting multiple attacks and securing the release of six kidnap victims across the Maradun, Tsafe, and Anka Local Government Areas.
The source said: “In the North Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue State, neutralised a violent extremist during a pursuit in Katsina-Ala LGA and rescued 10 passengers abducted along the Kyado–Wukari road.
“In Kwara State, troops also foiled an attempted kidnapping on the outskirts of Eruku town in Ekiti Local Government Area, rescuing three victims and recovering a motorcycle.
“In Nasarawa State, troops intercepted a vehicle conveying illicit drugs, leading to the arrest of two suspects, including the identified consignee.”
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The military source further stated that the troops in the Southeast have sustained their momentum against terrorists and criminal elements. Notably, they frustrated an operation by the IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Orumba North, Anambra State, where the criminals detonated three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) before fleeing the area.
“The explosives and associated materials, including wires, batteries and cylinders, were safely disposed of,” he said.
“In Imo State also, troops arrested two cultists at Mgbidi, recovering a pistol, mobile phones and a motorcycle.”
According to the source, troops in the South-South region have continued to pursue oil thieves, vandals and cultists with remarkable successes.
The source said over 1,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (popularly known as diesel) and crude oil were seized in Rivers and Bayelsa States, and handled in line with Operation DELTA SAFE directives.
“In Delta and Bayelsa States, troops recovered two locally made double-barrel guns, 27 cartridges and arrested multiple drug dealers in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“A total of 19 drug suspects were also arrested with cannabis, tramadol, pentazocine, diazepam, and Canadian loud. Meanwhile, four suspected kidnappers were apprehended in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State,” he said.
