Army neutralizes terrorists, rescues 17 kidnap victims in nationwide operations

Army neutralizes terrorists, rescues 17 kidnap victims in nationwide operations

In a series of coordinated operations over the past 48 hours, troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralized two terrorists, arrested 20 criminal suspects, and rescued 17 kidnap victims across multiple regions of the country.

A military source disclosed to The Nation on Saturday that the operations, which spanned the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-South zones, also led to the surrender of three Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State.

The surrendered fighters were identified as Fannami Ari (aka Abu Dujana), Hussaini Hassan Modu (aka Abu Yusuf), and an unnamed trainee. They reportedly turned themselves in to troops in Kukawa and Damboa Local Government Areas, citing disillusionment with terrorist leadership and deteriorating living conditions within their camps.

In Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, troops of the 192 Battalion, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), engaged ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) fighters in fierce combat at Hudugum village, successfully neutralizing two terrorists.

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In the North-West, troops of 1 Brigade foiled two kidnap attempts in Zamfara State, rescuing 11 victims in separate operations along the Magami–Jan Gemi and Kucheri–Bilbis corridors. The victims have since been reunited with their families.

Troops continue to maintain aggressive patrols and clearance operations in the region to disrupt terrorist logistics and deny them freedom of movement.

In the North-Central zone, synchronized raids under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna states led to the arrest of 15 suspects, including kidnappers, cultists, and cattle rustlers. Four kidnap victims were also rescued, and arms and ammunition recovered.

In the South-South region, 29 Battalion discovered and dismantled two illegal oil refining camps in Biseni, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, disrupting the activities of oil thieves. Similarly, 34 Artillery Brigade intercepted 62 sacks of stolen crude oil—estimated at over 3,000 litres—in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

The military source emphasized that the sustained operations reflect the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment under its current leadership to dismantle terrorist networks, eliminate criminal elements, and restore lasting peace and stability nationwide.

Army neutralizes terrorists, rescues 17 kidnap victims in nationwide operations