Nigerian Army troops have neutralized several terrorists and arrested three suspects with N8.7 million ransom money during ongoing intensified operations in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions.

The operations carried out between September 8 and 10 also led to the arrest of criminal suspects, the recovery of weapons, and the destruction of five illegal refineries in the South-South region.

A military source at Army Headquarters told The Nation on Thursday that on September 9, troops from Forward Operating Base Malumfashi, in collaboration with police and local vigilantes, engaged terrorists who had attacked Na’Ima Special Hunters Camp in Katsina State, killing one terrorist and recovering an AK-47 rifle with 21 rounds of ammunition.

“Similarly, on the same day, troops of 144 Battalion on offensive operations along Takaskala–Gwoza road in Borno State engaged ISWAP/JAS terrorists, forcing them to retreat in disarray and capturing an AK-47 rifle with 13 rounds of ammunition.”

“Furthermore, on 8 September, troops of 1 Brigade at a checkpoint in Zamfara State intercepted three suspects conveying ?8.7 million ransom money meant for release of abducted relatives.

“The suspects and the money were handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.”

According to the military source, troops from 8 Division foiled a kidnap attempt near Tasha Bagaruwa in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, rescuing three abducted farmers after a gunfight with terrorists. While troops of Forward Operating Base Sanga apprehended a suspected kidnappers’ informant linked to several abduction cases across Nasarawa and neighbouring states.

In the North-Central region, the source said troops continue to dominate the general area, arresting a suspected militia in connection with the September 4 Barkin Ladi reprisal attack in Plateau State.

The source said: “In Lagos State, troops of 65 Battalion arrested an impostor posing as a soldier at Ebute-Meta, recovering incriminating evidence from his phone.

“In the South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, troops of 16 Brigade discovered five illegal refining sites at Biseni in Bayelsa State, containing about 7,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, while troops of 103 Battalion dismantled another site in Ahoada West, Rivers State.

“Additionally, troops of 5 Battalion intercepted a vehicle loaded with 600 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil at Abua Central in Rivers State.”

He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to creating a safer environment that will boost agricultural activities across the country, in line with the federal government’s commitment to food security. (The Nation)