The Nigerian Army has killed nine terrorists and rescued 30 kidnapped victims during operations conducted across several states as part of its nationwide operations.
The operations, carried out between August 31 and September 1, involved ground troops, joint security teams and an air strike. Soldiers also recovered firearms, ammunition, motorcycles and other items linked to criminal activities.
According to the Army’s operational update made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday, troops recorded successes in Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Katsina and Kogi states.
In Borno, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, Operation Hadin Kai, operating around Miyanti-Banki Junction in Bama Local Government Area, killed one terrorist after fighting through an ambush involving a concealed improvised explosive device.
The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and an IED initiator. One soldier was killed during the encounter, while another sustained injuries and a gun truck was damaged.
In Yobe, troops of the 120 Task Force Battalion, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force, killed one terrorist in Lamusuri, Gujba Local Government Area. They also recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 90 rounds of ammunition and a body pouch.
The Army said an air strike in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno killed three terrorists and destroyed structures identified as hideouts.
In Bauchi State, troops of 211 Demonstration Battalion, operating under Operation MESA, killed two terrorists during an operation in Makodi Gwamnare Forest, Ningi Local Government Area.
The troops also rescued nine kidnapped victims and recovered eight mobile phones and N1.48 million.
Katsina also recorded a military success after troops of the 17 Brigade, working with a tactical team from the Office of the National Security Adviser, killed two terrorists during a fighting patrol in Kogo Village, Matazu Local Government Area. Two motorcycles used by the criminals were destroyed.
Meanwhile, troops in Kogi State rescued 21 kidnapped victims abandoned by fleeing kidnappers in Egume-Ochaja Forest, Dekina Local Government Area.
The victims comprised eight males and 13 females. One man who sustained a gunshot injury was stabilised at a military medical facility.
The Army also reported operations against other forms of criminality in Plateau, Zamfara, Delta and Rivers states.
In Plateau, four suspects were arrested at Exland Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, while troops recovered a locally made firearm, three motorcycles, a cutlass and a knife.
In Zamfara, troops responding to intelligence on cattle rustling were ambushed at Bude Village in Bungudu Local Government Area. They fought their way through the attack and recovered the rustled cattle after the assailants fled.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a trailer carrying illegally mined ilmenite along the Bomadi-Oro Junction Road and arrested two suspects.
In Rivers State, soldiers disrupted an oil theft operation in Oboburu community, where suspected vandals fled after an encounter.
The troops subsequently discovered an illegal refining site in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area, and recovered refining equipment and about 40 litres of stolen crude oil.
The Army said the operations demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led action and collaboration among security agencies in tackling terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and economic crimes.
In a separate development, a Boko Haram commander has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State, handing over a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher, an RPG bomb and a mobile phone.
The surrender took place at Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area at about 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday.
According to the Joint Task Force, North East, preliminary findings showed that the surrendered terrorist had previously operated around the Mandara Mountains axis, an area known for terrorist activities along the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
The military said the suspect was undergoing preliminary investigation and profiling, while the recovered weapons and other items would be examined as part of the process.
The Theatre Command said the surrender reflected the impact of sustained military pressure on terrorist networks and their ability to operate freely across the theatre.
It added that operations would continue against terrorist elements while encouraging those still involved in the insurgency to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist groups and creating conditions for lasting peace and stability across the North-East.