The Nigerian Army has said that troops have killed 47 terrorists and arrested 19 criminal suspects during coordinated land and air operations across the country in the last 72 hours.
In a statement on Wednesday, the army said the operations also led to the rescue of more than 30 kidnap victims and the recovery of arms, ammunition and logistics.
It said the outcomes are part of its “sustained offensive against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening national security”.
According to the statement, troops operating in the north-west and north-central regions recorded several successes following intelligence-led ground operations.
“In Sokoto State, troops from forward operating bases in Binji and Tangaza Local Government Areas (LGAs) neutralised three Lakurawa terrorists during successful ambushes, recovering one AK-47 rifle, a motorcycle, communication radios, mobile phones and other items,” the statement reads.
“Similarly, in Niger State, troops engaged armed terrorists on motorcycles in Munya LGA, neutralising one terrorist and recovering weapons, ammunition, communication equipment and logistics.”
The army added that in Zamfara state, fighting patrols in Anka and Maru LGAs “disrupted terrorist activities, neutralised two terrorists, destroyed their hideouts and rescued civilians who had sustained gunshot wounds”.
Operations in Kaduna state also led to the foiling of armed robbery and kidnapping attempts in Sanga and Zango Kataf LGAs, with victims rescued and suspected cattle rustlers arrested.
Recovered items included a locally fabricated rifle, ammunition and rustled livestock.
Similar successes were recorded in Plateau state, where troops arrested three cattle rustling suspects in Barkin Ladi and Wase LGAs, recovering motorcycles, knives, mobile phones and cash.
“Operations in the South-South and South-East zones also yielded notable results,” the statement added.
“In Rivers State, troops thwarted planned illegal activities along the Cawthorne Channel in Degema LGA, arresting two suspects and recovering tools intended for sabotage.
“In Delta State, troops uncovered two wooden boats conveying about 1,700 litres of stolen crude oil, dealing a significant blow to economic sabotage.
“In Imo State, one suspect linked to the shooting of a civilian was arrested and handed over to the Nigerian Police for further investigation.”
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), an anti-illegal mining operation in Gwagwalada led to the arrest of 11 suspects and the recovery of a motorcycle and petroleum products.
Meanwhile, the air component of ongoing operations carried out precision strikes on terrorist enclaves in the north-east.
The army said strikes on confirmed ISWAP/JAS logistics bases and convergence points in Borno state “neutralised at least 42 terrorists”, with secondary explosions indicating the destruction of weapons and explosives.
Follow-up strikes were also conducted on fleeing fighters and additional targets.
Across the various theatres, the army said troops rescued over 30 kidnap victims, including women and children, who were evacuated and given medical attention before being reunited with their families.
