By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Army has recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of a wanted terror and violent extremist leader, Idris Idris, also known as Babawo Badoo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 37 other criminal suspects were also arrested during coordinated operations across the country.

A reliable Army Headquarters source told NAN on Thursday that the operations also led to the rescue of 15 kidnapped victims.

He added that two terrorists were killed as well as recovery of assorted weapons, ammunition, and logistics items across various theatres of operation.

According to the source, Babawo Badoo is the notorious insurgent leader behind a series of deadly attacks and abductions in the North Central region.

?He was arrested on Oct. 20 by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE at Lugere Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau.

?The suspect was apprehended following credible intelligence, and troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a mobile phone, and N12,000,? he said.

The source added that troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, working with the Nigerian Police and Civilian Joint Task Force, raided a criminal hideout at Saya Village in Bassa Local Government Area.

He said the troops apprehended 19 suspects currently undergoing investigation.

In the North East, he said troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), apprehended an ISWAP/JAS terrorist informant and ransom collector in Borno.

According to him, troops also ambushed and neutralised two terrorists at Ngirbuwa Village, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe and recovered an AK-47 rifle with three magazines.

The source disclosed that six suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers were also arrested in Borno and Yobe states.

According to him, troops recovered 33 jerrycans of petrol, food items, mobile phones, and fake identification cards belonging to the Lake Chad Fishermen Association, allegedly used to conceal criminal activities.

?Several victims who escaped from terrorist enclaves in Kukawa, following intense military bombardment, were rescued and given medical attention,? the source added.

The source further revealed that troops of Operations WHIRL STROKE and ENDURING PEACE intensified clearance operations in Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States.

?Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade in Imo also arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN member in possession of a locally made pistol and live cartridges.

?In another operation, 7 Guards Battalion troops in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) intercepted five illegal immigrants of Chadian, Cameroonian, and Nigerien origin.

?Troops rescued 10 kidnapped victims in separate incidents across Kwara, Katsina, and Plateau,? he added.

According to the source, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has commended the troops for their resilience, operational efficiency, and professionalism

?He urged them to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations to rid the country of criminal elements.

?The Nigerian Army remains fully committed to creating a secure environment that will enable economic recovery, boost agricultural productivity, and advance the Federal Government?s goal of ensuring food security and national stability,? he said. (NAN)

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