Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully freed 40 hostages, neutralized eight terrorists, and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition in a series of coordinated operations across the country.
This was revealed in a statement shared by the Nigerian Army on their social media platforms on Sunday night.
In one of the key operations, troops apprehended a notorious arms courier in possession of a large stockpile of ammunition, dealing a critical blow to arms proliferation among criminal elements. Acting on intelligence, Nigerian Army personnel intercepted a group of terrorists, engaging them in a gunfire exchange that resulted in the recovery of 303 live rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition hidden in a bag.
“The suspect and his vehicle have been taken into custody, and investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest his accomplices,” the statement added.
Further operations in Kaduna State saw troops carry out precision strikes in the forests near Danmari and Saulawa villages in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, where one terrorist was eliminated. Another successful engagement in Ankwa village, Kachia Local Government Area, resulted in the death of two more terrorists and the recovery of a locally made firearm, 11 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, and a motorcycle.
In Borno State, troops clashed with fleeing terrorists at Faayijiwa Fandanari village in Magumeri Local Government Area. The army recovered two AK-47 rifles, 61 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO), 51 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, hard drugs, and other supplies left behind by the terrorists, who fled in the face of superior firepower. Another operation in Gwoza Local Government Area resulted in the elimination of three terrorists near Ashigashiya village. Acting on intelligence, troops also intercepted a convoy transporting supplies to terrorist camps in Gubio, seizing three vehicles filled with food items and recovering N2,400 in cash.
A further victory was achieved in Kukawa Local Government Area, where soldiers, acting on credible information, intercepted terrorists attempting to relocate abducted victims from Cijin village. The terrorists fled upon spotting the troops, leaving behind 38 hostages, including 6 men, 8 women, and 24 children, who were successfully rescued.
In Yobe State, troops ambushed a group of terrorists extorting civilians in Sasawa village, Damaturu Local Government Area. The engagement led to the neutralization of one terrorist and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and a motorcycle.
The Chief of Army Staff commended the troops for their bravery and relentless efforts in restoring peace and security. He also thanked civilians for their continuous provision of credible information, which has been vital to these successful operations.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to eradicate terrorism and protect the lives of all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
