The Nigerian Army has recorded significant operational successes across the country, neutralizing three terrorists, arresting 17 criminal suspects, and recovering assorted weapons and equipment in a series of coordinated operations.
According to the Army, the operations, conducted between August 11 and 13, also saw the surrender of 25 family members of ISWAP/JAS fighters in Borno State.
On August 11, troops of 202 Battalion in Bama Local Government Area (LGA) received 25 ISWAP/JAS family members — comprising 12 adult females and 13 children — who surrendered from Zalmari, Gazuwa, and Alafa villages. They are currently undergoing profiling by the 21 Special Armoured Brigade.
The same day, troops of 233 Battalion, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, ambushed terrorists along Sassawa–Kaburu in Damaturu LGA, Yobe State, killing one and recovering an AK-47 rifle. In Zamfara State, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 5 repelled a planned attack on Forward Operating Base Galadi in Shinkafi LGA, neutralizing one terrorist and seizing a mobile phone.
On August 12, acting on intelligence provided by a rescued kidnap victim, troops raided Gremasa Mountain in Shanga LGA, Kebbi State, arresting eight suspected kidnappers. In Plateau State, Sector 4 of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested five suspected pipeline vandals at Kassa Village, Barkin Ladi LGA, and recovered government-owned pipes. The suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation.
In Taraba State, Sector 3 FOB Wukari under Operation WHIRL STROKE apprehended two suspected kidnap collaborators in possession of POS machines, ATM cards, and cash.
On August 13, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade launched an offensive against an IPOB/ESN camp at Ndeji Community — a border area between Anambra, Abia, and Imo States — neutralizing one criminal. Items recovered included a pistol with ammunition, cartridges, radios, IED components, and mobile phones. Two planted IEDs were safely detonated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.
The Army said the sustained operations reflect its determination to protect lives, secure farmlands, and support the Federal Government’s drive for food security. It assured that pressure will be maintained on terrorists and other criminal elements until peace and stability are restored across the country.