Nigerian Army sustains offensive against terrorists, bandits, and criminals, rescuing nine victims and arresting 53 across multiple regions.

Nigerian Army sustains offensive against terrorists across the country, neutralising four insurgents, arresting 53 suspects, and rescuing nine kidnapped victims in coordinated operations between 10 and 13 October.

Also read: Nigerian Army neutralises terrorists in major crackdown

A reliable source at Army Headquarters confirmed the ongoing operations to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stating that troops also recovered arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and over 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil during raids spanning the North East, North Central, North West, South East, and South-South regions.

In Borno State, troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade arrested two suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics suppliers at Gwoza Wakane, while operatives of the 156 Task Force Battalion captured a terrorist spy in Mainok, Kaga LGA.

Elsewhere in Kebbi State, 1 Battalion (Rear), working with the NSCDC, apprehended a known terrorist collaborator, seizing a motorcycle and mobile phone.

Operations in the North Central included a targeted raid by Operation Whirl Stroke in Keana, Nasarawa State, which led to the arrest of three suspected kidnappers after a brief exchange of gunfire. Troops of 177 Guards Battalion also shut down an illegal mining site in Gurku Hill, Karu LGA, arresting nine suspects.

In the South East, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade neutralised an IPOB/ESN member and arrested two others in Mbaïtoli LGA, Imo State, recovering ammunition, mobile phones, and charms.

In Abia State, a logistics supplier for the separatist group was apprehended by the 143 Battalion, with authorities seizing radios, gunpowder, and other materials.

Security personnel in Anambra State from the 14 Field Engineer Regiment recovered a locally fabricated pistol, 48 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and walkie-talkies after an IED detonation in Orumba South LGA.

In the North West, 17 Brigade troops in Katsina repelled a terrorist assault in Mabai, killing one insurgent and confiscating three AK-47 rifles and 11 motorcycles. 1 Brigade in Zamfara recovered 18 rustled cattle in Bukkuyum, returning them to local authorities.

Meanwhile, in Kwara State, 12 Brigade troops successfully rescued nine kidnapped persons along the Egbe–Okoloke–Pategi Road.

Operations in the South-South saw significant crackdowns on crude oil theft. Troops from the 16 Brigade and 29 Battalion dismantled multiple illegal refining camps across Rivers and Abia States, destroying over 4,000 litres of crude and refined petroleum products.

Further joint operations with the NDLEA in Edo and Lagos States led to the arrest of 15 suspected drug traffickers and the destruction of cannabis farms.

Also read: COAS Oluyede reaffirms Nigerian army’s commitment to education, professional excellence

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining operational momentum and improving national security to support the Federal Government’s food security and economic stability agenda.