In a wave of coordinated, intelligence-driven operations across multiple theatres of operation, Nigerian Army troops have intensified offensive actions against terrorists and criminal syndicates, rescuing 17 kidnapped victims, arresting 20 suspects, neutralizing two terrorists, and dismantling illegal oil refining sites in the last 48 hours.
In the North East, troops of the 192 Battalion, operating alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), engaged Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’at Ahl as-Sunnah (JAS) terrorists in a fierce gun battle at Hudugum Village, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Two terrorists were neutralized in the encounter. Additionally, three terrorists—identified as Fannami Ari (aka Abu Dujana), Hussaini Hassan Modu (aka Abu Yusuf), and one trainee—surrendered to troops in Kukawa and Damboa LGAs, citing disillusionment with their leaders and worsening conditions in their camps.
In the North West, troops of 1 Brigade foiled two coordinated kidnap attempts in Zamfara State, rescuing 11 victims in separate engagements along the Magami–Jan Gemi and Kucheri–Bilbis axes. The victims have been reunited with their families as troops sustain aggressive patrols to deny terrorists freedom of movement and disrupt logistics networks.
Similarly, in the North Central zone, troops of Operations ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) and WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) executed clearance raids across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States. The operations led to the arrest of 15 suspects linked to cultism, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and communal violence. Four kidnapped victims were rescued in Plateau and Taraba States, with arms, ammunition, and other incriminating materials recovered.
In the South-South region, troops of 29 Battalion discovered and dismantled two illegal oil refining camps at Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State. Similarly, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade intercepted 62 sacks of stolen crude oil, estimated at over 3,000 litres, in Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Imo State.
The sustained operations, according to the Nigerian Army, reflect the unwavering commitment of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to dismantle terrorist networks, eliminate criminal threats, and restore lasting peace across the country. The Army reaffirmed its determination to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity through relentless pursuit of all adversaries of the state.
