The Nigerian Army has announced that its troops operating across various theatres nationwide have neutralised terrorists, arrested suspected gunrunners and recovered arms and rustled livestock in a series of coordinated operations.
A credible source at Army Headquarters disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stating that troops have sustained offensive operations with “remarkable successes” across different regions.
According to the source, troops of the 1 Brigade Combat Team 3 under Operation FANSAN YAMMA engaged terrorists at a crossing point near Magami village on Wednesday while on a fighting patrol in Magami town, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
During the encounter, two terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered two AK-47 magazines loaded with 39 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one belt of 7.62mm ammunition containing 54 rounds, and other sundry items.
“Similarly, at about 3:30 p.m. the same day, troops engaged terrorists during a fighting patrol around Kangiwa, Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, forcing the criminals to flee,” the source said.
Items recovered from that encounter included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and one motorcycle, while troops continue aggressive patrols to deny terrorists freedom of action.
In another operation, troops of the 17 Brigade deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi in Katsina State foiled a livestock rustling attempt during an ambush between Burdugau and Unguwar Matau villages.
“The terrorists fled after a firefight, abandoning 51 cows, 63 sheep and one donkey, which were later handed over to the Chairman of Malumfashi Local Government Area,” the source said.
The source further disclosed that troops of the 12 Brigade, working in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), apprehended a suspected gunrunner during a joint operation in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly supplied an AK-47 rifle obtained from Nasarawa State to a criminal in Loko.
“Items recovered included a mobile phone and keypad, while the suspect is currently in DSS custody,” he said.
“In the same operation, troops rescued one kidnap victim at Aiyetoro Kiri in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, following the abduction of two civilians in Lokoja Local Government Area on Dec. 19.
“The rescued victim is receiving treatment at a military medical facility.”
The military source also revealed that troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) repelled an attempted armed robbery at Tenti Community in the Bokkos area of Plateau State.
He said the suspects fled the scene, but six residents sustained injuries and were evacuated to hospital, while a manhunt for the attackers is ongoing.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) apprehended three suspected gunrunners during a joint operation with the DSS at Igoje in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
“The suspects have been handed over to the DSS for further investigation,” the source added.
Reaffirming the Army’s resolve, the source said, “The Nigerian Army remains committed to sustaining offensive operations to protect lives, property and national security across the country.”
