The Nigerian Army has recorded significant operational gains across multiple theatres of operation nationwide within the last 72 hours, neutralising 47 terrorists, arresting 19 criminal suspects, rescuing more than 30 kidnapped victims, and recovering a large cache of arms, ammunition and logistics.

The Army said the coordinated land and air operations form part of its sustained nationwide offensive against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening national security.

North-West and North-Central Operations

In the North-West and North-Central regions, troops carried out aggressive ground operations based on actionable intelligence. In Sokoto State, troops from forward operating bases in Binji and Tangaza Local Government Areas (LGAs) neutralised three Lakurawa terrorists during successful ambushes. Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, a motorcycle, communication radios, mobile phones and other materials.

In Niger State, troops engaged armed terrorists riding motorcycles in Munya LGA, neutralising one suspect and recovering weapons, ammunition, communication equipment and logistics.

Sustained fighting patrols in Zamfara State’s Anka and Maru LGAs disrupted terrorist activities, led to the neutralisation of two terrorists, destruction of their hideouts, and the rescue of civilians who had sustained gunshot injuries. In Kaduna State, operations in Sanga and Zango Kataf LGAs foiled armed robbery and kidnapping attempts, rescued victims, and resulted in the arrest of suspected cattle rustlers. Recovered items included a fabricated rifle, ammunition and rustled livestock.

Similar successes were recorded in Plateau State, where troops arrested three suspected cattle rustlers in Barkin Ladi and Wase LGAs, recovering motorcycles, knives, mobile phones and cash.

South-South, South-East and FCT

In the South-South region, troops in Rivers State thwarted planned illegal activities along the Cawthorne Channel in Degema LGA, arresting two suspects and recovering tools intended for sabotage. In Delta State, troops uncovered two wooden boats transporting about 1,700 litres of stolen crude oil, dealing a significant blow to economic sabotage.

In the South-East, troops in Imo State arrested a suspect linked to the shooting of a civilian. The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation.

In the Federal Capital Territory, an anti-illegal mining operation in Gwagwalada resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects and the recovery of a motorcycle and petroleum products.

Air Operations in the North-East

Meanwhile, the Air Component of ongoing operations delivered decisive strikes against terrorist enclaves in the North-East. Precision airstrikes on confirmed ISWAP/JAS logistics bases and convergence points in Borno State neutralised at least 42 terrorists. Secondary explosions observed during the strikes confirmed the destruction of weapons and explosives stockpiles.

Follow-on airstrikes targeted fleeing terrorists and additional gatherings, further degrading their command structures, logistics and fighting capability.

Rescues and Recoveries

Across all theatres, Nigerian Army troops rescued more than 30 kidnapped victims, including women and children. The victims were safely evacuated, provided with medical attention where necessary, and reunited with their families.

Items recovered during the operations included AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, communication radios, motorcycles, mobile phones and other logistics used by criminal groups.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to intelligence-driven, joint and people-centric operations aimed at protecting lives, property and critical national assets. He assured the public that the Nigerian Army will continue to sustain offensive momentum in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies until lasting peace and security are achieved nationwide, while urging citizens to continue supporting security efforts with timely and credible information.