By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Army says its troops have sustained aggressive operations to rid the nation of terrorists, insurgents and other criminals across the country.

This is contained in statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said in this respect, troops of 2 Battalion on Oct. 17, ambushed some marauding insurgents at Udawa general area in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State and eliminated three insurgents.

He said the fierce fire fight forced others to escape, while troops recovered a bandolier containing 111 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, one AK 47 magazine, two motorcycles, a high frequency communication radio and two mobile phones.

According to him, one soldier paid the supreme price during the encounter.

Nwachukwu added that troops of 1 Brigade on the same day during a stop and search operation, intercepted a suspected ammunition courier in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara.

He said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was on a mission to deliver ammunition to a bandit leader named Gishiri.

According to him, the vigilant troops recovered a bag containing 224 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one mobile phone and the sum of N4,000 from the courier.

“The suspect is currently in custody undergoing further investigation.

“In the North East theatre of operation, a notorious Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) Commander, identified as Bulama Bukar has surrendered to troops of 5 Brigade in Gubio.

“The surrendered terrorist was the commander of the BHT Camp Tapkin Chad at Gilima village in Abadam LGA of Borno.

“Items recovered from the surrendered terrorist include one AK 47 rifle, 5 magazines, 44 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one magazine carrier jacket, one knife,one motorcycle and the sum of N23,500.

“The suspect is currently undergoing profiling sessions” he added. (NAN)