Troops neutralise terrorist, recover weapons, rustled cows – Army

The Nigerian Army said its troops have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorists as they neutralised a notorious terrorist and made significant recoveries of arms, ammunition, stolen cattle, and logistics critical to the terrorists’ operations.

A statement posted on social media said on 26 September 2024, while acting on actionable intelligence, Nigerian Army troops engaged fleeing terrorists under the cover of darkness near Gayam Village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The encounter resulted in the elimination of one notorious terrorist while the others fled in panic, abandoning their weapons.

“A thorough sweep of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine containing 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two motorcycles and a mobile phone, ” it said.

In a separate operation, troops launched a well-planned ambush along the Karau Karau-Galadimawa Road, which culminated in the arrest of 18 suspects linked to the rustling of 150 cattle, which were being transported in four trucks.

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The Army said further investigations uncovered damning evidence, including 10 mobile phones—some containing videos of terrorists receiving training—and the sum of N215,550 in cash.

“In Rivers State, troops’ vigilance led to the interception of a suspected kidnapper at Cool Beach Jetty in Bonny Local Government Area. The individual was found in possession of a pistol loaded with 9mm ammunition and a packet of substances believed to be cannabis.

“Similarly, in Enugu State, troops acting on human intelligence conducted a sting operation that led to the apprehension of three suspected criminals hiding under a bridge in the Abakpa area of Enugu Local Government. Among the items recovered were 12 mobile phones, three cutlasses, four power banks, a shisha pot, a cocaine inhaler and other illicit materials.

“In Benue State, troops swiftly responded to a terrorist attack on Nigerian Police personnel at Sankara Chito Junction in Ukum Local Government Area. The superior firepower of the troops forced the terrorists to flee, leaving behind their weapons and logistics. A search of the terrorists’ retreat route yielded a Light Machine Gun, 100 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and two motorcycles.

“In Plateau State, troops intercepted four suspects conveying three rustled cows in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. In Kaura Local Government of Kaduna State, troops, acting on intelligence, stormed a private clinic where wounded terrorists were receiving treatment. Two suspects, believed to be members of the late notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Tukur Sharme’s gang, were arrested. They confessed to sustaining gunshot wounds during an earlier clash with Nigerian troops,” the post on social media elaborated.