TROOPS SUSTAIN ONSLAUGHT ON FLEEING TERRORISTS, NEUTRALIZE NOTORIOUS FIGHTER, RECOVER WEAPONS, RUSTLED CATTLE, LOGISTICS

TROOPS SUSTAIN ONSLAUGHT ON FLEEING TERRORISTS, NEUTRALIZE NOTORIOUS FIGHTER, RECOVER WEAPONS, RUSTLED CATTLE, LOGISTICS

In a relentless pursuit of national security, troops of the Nigerian Army have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorist elements across the country. Through sustained and meticulously coordinated operations, troops have neutralized a notorious terrorist fighter and made significant recoveries of arms, ammunition, stolen cattle, and logistics critical to the terrorists’ operations.

On 26 September 2024, while acting on actionable intelligence, Nigerian Army troops engaged fleeing terrorists under the cover of darkness near Gayam Village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The encounter resulted in the elimination of one notorious terrorist while the others fled in panic, abandoning their weapons. A thorough sweep of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine containing 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two motorcycles and a mobile phone.

In a separate operation, following credible intelligence regarding the movement of rustled cattle by terrorist collaborators, troops launched a well-planned ambush along the Karau Karau-Galadimawa road. The operation culminated in the arrest of 18 suspects linked to the rustling of 150 cattle, which were being transported in four trucks. Further investigations uncovered damning evidence, including 10 mobile phones—some containing videos of terrorists receiving training—and the sum of N215,550 in cash.

In Rivers State, troops’ vigilance led to the interception of a suspected kidnapper at Cool Beach Jetty in Bonny Local Government Area. The individual was found in possession of a pistol loaded with 9mm ammunition and a packet of substances believed to be cannabis.

Similarly, in Enugu State, troops acting on human intelligence conducted a sting operation that led to the apprehension of three suspected criminals hiding under a bridge in the Abakpa area of Enugu Local Government. Among the items recovered were 12 mobile phones, three cutlasses, four power banks, a shisha pot, a cocaine inhaler and other illicit materials.

In Benue State, troops swiftly responded to a terrorist attack on Nigerian Police personnel at Sankara Chito Junction in Ukum Local Government Area. The superior firepower of the troops forced the terrorists to flee, leaving behind their weapons and logistics. A search of the terrorists’ retreat route yielded a Light Machine Gun, 100 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and two motorcycles.

In Plateau State, troops intercepted four suspects conveying three rustled cows in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. In Kaura Local Government of Kaduna State, troops, acting on intelligence, stormed a private clinic where wounded terrorists were receiving treatment. Two suspects, believed to be members of the late notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Tukur Sharme’s gang, were arrested. They confessed to sustaining gunshot wounds during an earlier clash with Nigerian troops.

Meanwhile, in Borno State, troops carried out a successful raid on a terrorist hideout in the Churchur area of Bama Local Government. One terrorist was neutralized, and a kidnapped victim was rescued during the operation. Furthermore, along the Bama-Maiduguri road, troops intercepted a vehicle loaded with empty ammunition cases. A thorough search led to the recovery of 82 empty cases of 7.62mm ammunition, 5 empty cases of 7.62x39mm, 2 empty cases of 7.62x54mm, 2 empty cases of 12.7x108mm and 27 rolls of copper wire. Additionally, 8 terrorist fighters, along with their families, surrendered to the troops in Bama.

The Chief of Army Staff has commended the troops for their unyielding courage and professionalism. He also lauded the continued cooperation and vigilance of the general public in supporting the military’s effort to dismantle the terrorist networks. The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to rid the nation of terrorism and ensure the safety of all citizens.

This sustained offensive serves as yet another testament to the Nigerian Army’s unshakable resolve to crush terrorism and restore peace and security across the nation.