ABUJA, Oct. 20 (AGCNewsNet) – Nigerian Army troops have neutralized 17 terrorists, apprehended 85 suspects, and rescued 10 kidnapped victims during coordinated operations across multiple regions within the past 48 hours, according to a military source at the Army Headquarters.

The operations, conducted under various theatres nationwide, targeted insurgent hideouts, kidnapping syndicates, and criminal networks. Those arrested include Boko Haram informants, logistics suppliers, terrorist collaborators, drug traffickers, and kidnappers. The rescued victims are currently undergoing medical examination and profiling.

In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained aggressive counterterrorism missions under Operations Desert Sanity IV and Diligent Search, leading to several clashes with Boko Haram and ISWAP militants in Borno and Adamawa States.

Troops from the 202 and 222 Battalions successfully repelled an ambush near Goni Kurmi and Kashomri villages in Konduga Local Government Area, killing several terrorists. Similarly, the 195 Battalion, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), captured a notorious Boko Haram informant and ransom collector at Customs IDP Camp in Jere Local Government Area.

Authorities said the suspect was tracked through monitored phone calls and suspicious financial transactions. Additionally, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, rescued two kidnap victims, and arrested three major logistics suppliers with food items and materials intended for ISWAP cells in Alagarno.

In Adamawa, troops of the 144 Battalion intercepted seven vehicles and nine motorcycles transporting 368 bags of cement believed to be headed to terrorist enclaves in Madagali Local Government Area. Air support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also helped foil infiltration attempts by insurgents in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno.

Across these operations, troops recovered 4.77 million naira, six mobile phones, and two bicycles abandoned by fleeing insurgents along the Maiduguri–Damboa Road.

In the North West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma carried out clearance operations in Sokoto and Zamfara States. Sixty-nine suspected drug traffickers were arrested in Sokoto South, while five terrorist collaborators were captured in Gudu Local Government Area. One civilian injured during a terrorist attack along the Faru–Bagabbuzi Road in Zamfara was also rescued.

In the North Central region, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued one kidnapped victim in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State. Another operation in Rawaya Village, Gashish District, led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, a revolver pistol, six magazines, and over 1,200 rounds of ammunition. Two suspected kidnappers were also arrested in Doma, Nasarawa State, while a terrorist camp was destroyed in Gbagir, Benue State.

In the South South, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified their campaign against oil theft. A patrol in Omoku, Rivers State, intercepted a wooden boat carrying 840 litres of illegally refined kerosene and arrested one suspect. Another operation in Ughelli North, Delta State, seized a vehicle transporting 2,500 litres of illegal condensate.

Overall, troops recovered 15 assorted weapons, 21 magazines, over 1,200 rounds of ammunition, cash, and other logistics materials.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operational momentum nationwide, emphasizing its resolve to deny terrorists and criminal elements freedom of action. The source commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, noting that morale remains high across all formations.

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