By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

Nigerian Army troops have intensified their nationwide operations against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups, recording major breakthroughs that led to the arrest of 88 suspects, recovery of deadly weapons, and rescue of several kidnapped victims.

The coordinated operations, conducted between Oct. 16 and Oct. 19 across multiple theatres, targeted insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and oil thieves in the North East, North Central, North West, and South-South regions.

In the North Central, troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace, raided the hideout of a notorious insurgent leader, Alhaji Muhammad Sule (alias MP), in Rawaya village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one revolver pistol, four AK-47 magazines, two G3 magazines, 1,198 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

Similarly, in the North East, troops of 19 Brigade in Cross Kauwa, Borno State, foiled an infiltration attempt by ISWAP/JAS terrorists from the Alagarno and Mallum Karamti axis, forcing them to flee and abandon 95 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammunition.

In Damasak, troops of 145 Battalion recovered an AK-47 rifle earlier stolen from a Civilian JTF member after repelling a terrorist attack.

Troops of 195 Battalion, working with the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested a notorious ISWAP informant and ransom collector following an intelligence-led operation.

At Dowoshi, in Kukawa Local Government Area, two ISWAP logistics suppliers were arrested with food items and sundry materials.

Meanwhile, at Molai, along the Maiduguri?Damboa Road, troops recovered two bicycles, two solar lamps, six mobile phones with chargers, and ?4.77 million abandoned by fleeing terrorists.

In the North West, troops of 3 Brigade in Kano and 4 Brigade in Edo rescued 14 kidnapped victims in separate operations.

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke and Operation Enduring Peace also arrested multiple suspects linked to kidnapping, cattle rustling, impersonation, and terrorist collaboration across Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and Kaduna States.

In Kaduna, a combined team of 312 Artillery Regiment and the Defence Special Operations Force engaged terrorists in Kajuru, recovering a submachine gun with seven rounds of 9mm ammunition and rescuing one kidnapped victim.

Troops in Sokoto State arrested 69 suspected drug peddlers and handed them over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for prosecution, while five terrorist collaborators were also apprehended.

In Abia State, troops of 143 Battalion destroyed an IPOB/ESN hideout at Umudi Forest in Umunneochi Local Government Area, arresting two suspects.

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue destroyed another insurgent camp at Gbagir, recovering one motorcycle, two customized vehicle plate numbers, and a mobile phone.

In the South-South, troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion in Delta State intercepted a vehicle carrying 10 drums (about 2,500 litres) of illegally refined condensate.

Similarly, 343 Artillery Regiment troops in Rivers State seized a boat loaded with 840 litres of illegally refined dual-purpose kerosene (DPK) and arrested one suspect.

Overall, the nationwide operations led to the recovery of four rifles (including AK-47 and G3), one revolver pistol, 1,198 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 95 rounds of 12.7mm, 7 rounds of 9mm ammunition, ?4.77 million cash, and multiple vehicles, motorcycles, and logistics items.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks and restore lasting peace across the country.

It urged citizens to continue supporting security forces by providing credible information on suspicious movements and criminal hideouts. (Zagazola)

Update news