Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded major operational successes across several parts of the country, killing 27 terrorists, arresting 10 suspected criminals and rescuing eight kidnapped victims during coordinated operations conducted over the past 48 hours.
The NA stated on Sunday that the intelligence-led operations, supported by joint land and air assets, were carried out in Borno, Plateau, Nasarawa and Akwa Ibom states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), targeting terrorist cells, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other criminal networks.
In the North-East, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted precision airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in the Tumbuns area of Borno State. Battle Damage Assessments and Human Intelligence reports confirmed the killing of 27 terrorists.
Military sources said 12 insurgents were neutralised during an airstrike on Dawoshe in Kukawa Local Government Area, while another 15 were killed in a separate precision strike on Metele in Guzamala Local Government Area.
Ground troops operating in Borno also arrested a suspected terrorist along the Mandara-Girau-Sabon Gari axis in Biu Local Government Area. Recovered items included food supplies, communication devices, blankets, herbicides and batteries believed to be intended for insurgents.
In a separate operation near Kareto, troops foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued six civilians comprising three men and three women without injury.
In Plateau State, troops under Operation Enduring Peace arrested a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler during a raid in Bokkos Local Government Area. Recovered from the suspect were ammunition, an AK-47 magazine, a laptop, a mobile phone and military-pattern clothing.
Also, in Jos South Local Government Area, four suspected criminals were apprehended while in possession of a locally fabricated pistol and ammunition.
Troops recorded another breakthrough in Nasarawa State, where two kidnapped victims were rescued after their abductors fled upon sighting advancing security forces.
Follow-up operations based on intelligence provided by an arrested suspect led to the discovery of a criminal hideout. Recovered items included a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, communication devices, foreign and local currencies, as well as ₦1.8 million suspected to be proceeds of crime.
In the Federal Capital Territory, troops acting on actionable intelligence intercepted two suspected car thieves along the Abuja-Lokoja Highway and recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz E350 vehicle.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had allegedly stolen the vehicle in Abuja and were attempting to move it out of the city for sale.
Meanwhile, troops conducting anti-crude oil theft operations in Akwa Ibom State recovered about 325 litres of suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in sacks in a bush at Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. The recovered products were handed over to the appropriate authorities.
The military said the successes underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and joint security operations in degrading terrorist and criminal networks across the country.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and ensure the safety of citizens, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security efforts.
