By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of the Nigerian Army have in the last 24 hours, eliminated 10 terrorists, apprehended suspects and rescued kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across multiple theatres.

A credible Army Headquarters source said the successes were recorded during ongoing operations including Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Fansan Yamma, Operation UDO KA and Operation OPEP.

In the North-East, he said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, thwarted an infiltration attempt by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province at Bitta in Borno.

According to him, the insurgents were forced to retreat after encountering coordinated spoiling attacks and superior firepower from the troops.

He said the failed infiltration came shortly after terrorists launched attacks on troops’ positions at Banki and Azir Bridge, which were also successfully repelled.

In a statement by the Military Information of OPHK, Lt -Col. Sani Uba on Saturday, the repeated failed assaults represented another significant setback for the insurgents within 24 hours and highlighted sustained pressure by troops across the theatre.

The source said the troops, while conducting an ambush along the Kirawa–Gakara axis in Gwoza Local Government Area (LGA) engaged suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, forcing them to abandon supplies and flee with possible gunshot wounds.

“Items recovered at the scene included four bicycles and seven bags of groundnuts believed to be meant for insurgents.

“In Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe, troops working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS spy during patrol operations.

“In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma conducted an offensive on terrorist camps in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara, where one terrorist was neutralised while troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a motorcycle.

“Similarly, troops operating under Operation UDO KA in Obubra LGA of Cross River engaged armed criminals and neutralised nine terrorists.

“During the operation, troops also uncovered a local gun-making factory, recovering three AK-47 magazines, 10 locally made double-barrel guns and weapon fabrication tools, while the facility was destroyed on site,” he said.

The source confirmed that troops also apprehended two suspected ammunition couriers transporting 192 rounds of ammunition, while additional searches led to the recovery of locally fabricated weapons and mortar tubes.

He said the troops rescued five civilians from terrorist captivity during separate operations, while four victims who escaped from a terrorist enclave were intercepted and assisted by troops in Faskari LGA of Katsina State.

According to him, another kidnapped victim was rescued during pursuit operations in Wase LGA of Plateau after terrorists fled under pressure from advancing troops.

Military authorities commended the troops for their resilience and urged them to sustain the operational momentum against terrorist and criminal elements across the country. (NAN)

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