The Nigerian Army has reported significant gains in its ongoing campaign against terrorism and other security threats by neutralising two terrorists and arresting 11 suspects during recent precision-led and intelligence-driven operations across multiple theatres.
These operations also led to the recovery of a substantial cache of arms, logistics, and rustled livestock, alongside the voluntary surrender of two terrorist family members.
A statement made available to Blueprint in Lagos by Army spokesperson, Col. Appolonia Anele, said the counter-terrorism successes (CTS) include a fierce firefight in Sokoto state.
Troops from the 8 Division Garrison, deployed at Forward Operating Bases (FOB) in Tsamaye and Mai Lalle, Sabon Birni local government area, engaged armed elements.
“This engagement resulted in the neutralisation of two terrorists and forced others to abandon their positions,” Col. Anele stated. He said troops successfully recovered three AK-47 rifles and a motorcycle at the scene, significantly degrading the operational capacity of the fleeing insurgents.
He stated that in the North-east, the sustained operational tempo continues to yield results.
“Two relatives of terrorists, an adult female and a child voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 202 Battalion in Bama, Borno state. Preliminary debriefing indicated they escaped from the CHURCHUR axis, underscoring the intensifying pressure on terrorist strongholds.
“Similarly, in Yobe state, troops of the 120 Task Force Battalion deployed in Katarko, Gujba local government area, apprehended a suspected terrorist attempting to breach a secured perimeter. The individual, claiming Nigerien origin, failed to communicate in any recognised Nigerian language, raising suspicions of transnational involvement and necessitating further investigation,” he stated.
He said in the North-west, troops of the 1 Battalion Rear, acting on actionable intelligence, swiftly responded to and intercepted a cattle rustling attempt in Sauna Village, Argungu local government area of Kebbi state and the perpetrators fled upon contact, abandoning 251 rustled cows.