Troops neutralise terrorists, arrest kidnappers of retired military officer

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised terrorists and arrested suspected kidnappers of retired military officer.

In a statement on its social media platform, the Nigerian Army said the operations have dealt a blow to terrorists’ activities in the affected communities.

According to the statement: “On 27 August 2024, acting on credible intelligence, troops ambushed Boko Haram terrorists at Logomani village in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.

“In the ensuing exchange of fire, the troops neutralised five terrorists and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and two bicycles.”

In another operation in Gwoza Local Government Area, 11 Boko Haram fighters, along with their family members, voluntarily surrendered to the troops.

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In Yobe State, troops laid an ambush on the Boko Haram terrorist logistics supply route at Wulle village in Gujba Local Government Area.

Two terrorists were neutralised while one FN rifle, a magazine, and a bicycle were recovered.

The statement continued: “In Imo State, troops have successfully trailed and arrested four suspects connected to the kidnap of retired Major General Richard Duru. The suspects, when nabbed, had attempted to bribe the troops with the sum of five million naira.

“The troops rather seized the bribe money, totalling N5,048,105, along with three vehicles, six laptops and a cash-counting machine.”

In Anambra State, troops apprehended a notorious member of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network, Sunday Ofordimze Asika, also known as Aboy Ekwensu.

The suspect, who had been on security agencies’ watchlists, is part of a criminal syndicate terrorising citizens of Ugu Npologu and Ezinifite communities in Aguta Local Government Area.

Six cartridges, five machetes, a laptop, a vehicle, and assorted charms were recovered by troops.

The statement further disclosed: “In Cross River State, troops conducting waterway patrols have intercepted an automated wooden boat used by armed criminals at Ikang village in Bakassi Local Government Area of the state. The suspects who fled upon sighting the troops abandoned a pump-action rifle, three cartridges, a 40 horsepower boat engine, and the sum of fifty thousand and five hundred naira. Troops have recovered the abandoned items.”