By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Army has continued to record notable operational successes in its fight against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country, with the recovery of arms, ammunition, and arrest of several suspects.
In the North East Theatre, troops of 82 DivisionTask Force Battalion a perimeter patrol in Ngoshe, Gwoza LGA of Borno state in a recovered 408 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 1,200 rounds of 7.62mm, and two 40mm RPG bombs in known ISWAP/JAS withdrawal route. Similarly, troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade neutralized three terrorists during a raid in Bama LGA, recovering a Dane gun and destroying terrorist life support structures.
In a related development, troops in Monguno, Borno State, intercepted a vehicle conveying logistics supplies suspected for terrorist use. One suspect was arrested, and recovered items included 65 litres of PMS, 4 bags of rice, 5 bags of groundnuts, 4 bags of NPK fertilizer, tubers of yam, 7 motorcycle headlights, 10 solar lights, 2,000 empty cement bags, 4 solar panels and one mobile phone.
In Kaduna State, troops of 2 Battalion on escort duty in Birnin Gwari recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition after engaging fleeing armed men on a motorcycle. Relatedly, troops of 1 Brigade Nigerian Army in Zamfara State neutralized a terrorist kingpin identified as Mai Dada during a counterattack in Maru LGA, while in Edo State, a criminal suspect at Etsako Central LGA was arrested with a pump-action gun and cutlasses.
In Plateau State, troops of JTF Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted offensive operation at TANGUR, KWAKAS, HOROP, TULUS, JINAK, and HOKK village in BOKKOS LGA of PLATEAU State. During the operation, troops exploited the mountainous areas in the communities with the aid of UAV drone and recovered one Dane gun abandoned by the criminals on sighting troops.
In the North Central Theatre, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE deployed at JOOTER/KYADO responded to information on kidnappers’ activity along PEYKIA – WUKARI road in Ukum LGA of Benue State.
Following a fire fight, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled into the bush. Troops rescued 5 passengers and recovered one vehicle. Similarly, Troops of 5 Battalion deployed at Otueke in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa, Cross River arrested 2 suspects in possession of 2 locally fabricated pistols and one round of 9 mm ammo.
The Nigerian Army remains resolute in dismantling criminal networks and maintaining peace across the nation.
