Insecurity: Army smashes terrorists’ cells, rescues victims, arrests over 20 suspects

In the renewed fight against insurgent activities, the Nigerian Army has arrested over 20 suspected terrorists and other suspected criminals in a coordinated nationwide operation within the last 24 hours.

This was contained in an operational report made available to the Nigerian Tribune on Sunday at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja.

It explained that the arrests were made during intelligence-led offensives conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, targeting terrorist hideouts, kidnapping syndicates, and criminal networks operating in several states.

According to the report, “in Kogi State, troops of 12 Brigade, in conjunction with the Nigerian Police and vigilantes, conducted offensive operations at Kakuma Ileteju/Origa and Ijumu villages, during which 2 suspected terrorists were arrested and recovered 2 motorcycles, 2 chainsaw machines.

It added that similarly, troops of Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA apprehended a suspected terrorist at Afaka in Kaduna State, who confessed to abandoning a terrorist camp due to internal clashes among terrorist leaders.

The report further explained that ‘ in Sokoto State, troops of COAS Intervention Battalion VII with 8 Division Nigerian Army Stalkers cleared multiple villages in Tangaza Local Government Area, destroying a terrorist camp and recovering 2 camouflage trousers.

It added that Troops also rescued a Nigerien national held captive for over three weeks, further highlighting the cross-border dimension of terrorist activities in Niger State.

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According to it, troops also neutralised threats by disposing of one IED, apprehending 5 suspects and destroying terrorist camps and illegal mining sites.

The report further indicates that the Troops also recorded major successes in rescue operations.

“In Kwara State, troops swiftly responded to a distress call, forcing terrorists to abandon 3 kidnapped victims.

“In Edo State, troops responded to multiple incidents, rescuing victims, apprehending 5 suspected kidnappers and recovering one AK-47 rifle with 9 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 3 mobile phones, while additional operations led to the rescue of 2 kidnapped farmers. In Delta State, troops arrested a suspected IPOB terrorist at Umunede junction.

It further explained that “in the South-South, troops of 2 Brigade conducted raids on drug peddlers’ hideouts in Akwa Ibom State, arresting 6 suspects and recovering 20kg of cannabis sativa, 120g of Canadian loud, 27.5g of Colorado, 4.3g of methamphetamine (ice), 15 bottles of codeine, one sachet of tramadol, and ₦431,500.00.

“In Rivers State, troops uncovered and dismantled illegal bunkering infrastructure, recovering 4 galvanized pipes (about 50m), 4 hoses (about 100m each), one big empty reservoir, one big drum oven, 2 big empty receivers, one big coolant, one medium drum oven, 3 small coolants, one small active drum oven containing about 50 litres of AGO, one small empty drum oven, 2 empty drum receivers, one galvanized pipe (about 15m), 2 hoses (about 50m each), one receiver, one coolant, and one waste pit.

“In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE intercepted criminal elements, arresting 9 suspects and recovering one SMG rifle, one locally made revolver rifle, one pistol, 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 3 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones, and ₦35,500.00. Additionally, troops in Abia State discovered and handled sacks of suspected stolen crude oil hidden within the Imo River axis in line with operational directives.

The report stated that the Nigerian Army reassured the members of the public of its continued resolve to decisively defeat all forms of criminality and called for sustained public support and cooperation to consolidate ongoing successes and ensure lasting peace across the country.