Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded significant operational gains across multiple theatres, neutralising 27 terrorists, arresting 10 suspected criminals, rescuing 8 kidnapped victims and recovering arms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and other logistics in coordinated nationwide operations conducted over the past 48 hours.
The operations, driven by credible intelligence and executed through joint land and air efforts, spanned Borno, Plateau, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The successes highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, curb kidnapping and restrict the operational capacity of criminal elements.
In the North East, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI carried out precision air interdiction missions targeting terrorist strongholds in the Tumbuns area of Borno State. Battle damage assessments and human intelligence confirmed the elimination of 27 terrorists. This includes 12 insurgents neutralised during a strike on Dawoshe in Kukawa Local Government Area and 15 others killed in a separate precision engagement at Metele in Guzamala Local Government Area.
Ground troops in Borno also apprehended a suspected terrorist along the Mandara Girau Sabon Gari axis in Biu Local Government Area. Recovered items included a cache of supplies believed to be destined for insurgents, such as food items, communication devices, blankets, herbicides and batteries. Also, In a separate incident near Kareto, troops foiled a kidnapping attempt and successfully rescued 6 civilians comprising three men and three women without injury.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler during a raid in Bokkos Local Government Area. Items recovered from the suspect include ammunition, an AK-47 magazine, a laptop, a mobile phone and military-pattern clothing. In a related operation in Jos South Local Government Area, 4 suspected criminals were apprehended in possession of a fabricated pistol and ammunition.
Further successes were recorded in Nasarawa State, where troops rescued two kidnapped victims after their captors fled on sighting advancing forces. Follow-up operations led to the discovery of a criminal hideout based on intelligence provided by an arrested suspect. Recovered items included a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, communication devices, foreign and local currencies and ₦1.8 million suspected to be proceeds of crime.
In the Federal Capital Territory, troops acting on actionable intelligence intercepted two suspected carjackers along the Abuja–Lokoja Highway. A stolen Mercedes-Benz E350 vehicle was recovered. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had forcefully taken the vehicle in Abuja and were attempting to transport it out of the city for sale.
Meanwhile, in the South-South region, troops conducting anti-crude oil theft operations in Akwa Ibom State recovered approximately 325 litres of suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), concealed in sacks within a bush in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. The recovered products have been handed over to the appropriate authorities.
These operational achievements highlight the effectiveness of intelligence-led and joint operations in degrading terrorist and criminal networks nationwide. We reaffirmed our commitment to sustaining offensive actions to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and ensure a secure environment for citizens.
The public is here by urged to continue their relentless support to ongoing operations through timely and credible information which are critical force multiplier in the ongoing effort to achieve lasting peace and national security.