In a series of decisive operations, troops of the Nigerian Army have dealt another crushing blow on terrorists, neutralizing several high-profile terrorists and recovering lethal weapons, including rocket bombs and a significant cache of ammunition.
The Army in a statement on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, said the operations have further crippled the adversary’s freedom of action across the country.
According to the statement, troops also arrested two notorious kidnappers involved in a series of violent attacks in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“On 29 September 2024, a high-intensity raid was launched on Boko Haram/ISWAP strongholds in Ajiri and Mastari villages of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State,” the statement read.
The troops, leveraging superior firepower, decimated four notorious fighters. A meticulous sweep of the area uncovered 2 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, 2 AK-47 magazines, 28 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62x54mm Light Machine Gun ammunition, and a Light Machine Gun Barrel. In another encounter at Banki Junction in Bama Local Government, troops also neutralized another terrorist.
In Plateau State, troops acting on precise intelligence conducted a raid operation that led to the capture of two notorious kidnappers, Isah Abdullahi (24) and Mujahid Musa (23), in the forested mountains of Panyam. Initial investigations reveal their involvement in a series of violent attacks on villages within Mangu Local Government Area.
Items recovered during the operation include two motorcycles, three mobile phones, and various paraphernalia. In a related operation, troops apprehended a notorious arms dealer, Kabiru Zaki, in Bukuru town of Jos South Local Government Area, alongside another suspect, linked to a recent murder in Brazongo village, Bassa Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, in South Eastern Nigeria, troops have engaged IPOB/ESN terrorists in a ferocious firefight at Lilu, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, after the terrorists attempted to ambush the troops with Improvised Explosive Device. Overwhelmed by superior firepower, the militants retreated into the surrounding forests, leaving behind a Closed Circuit Camera and components of Improvised Explosive Devices.
Additionally, troops responded swiftly to a distress call about the abduction of civilians along the Gurbi-Jibia road in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Upon sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists fled, abandoning four injured victims who were immediately rescued by the troops and evacuated for medical attention.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its commitment to continue to deplete the terrorist elements and their collaborators,” the statement read.
“The Chief of Army Staff has issued a stern directive, urging troops to maintain unrelenting pressure on all fronts until the nation's adversaries are completely vanquished and peace is restored.”