Troops neutralise terrorists, nab arms courier, in multiple operations

The Nigerian Army said its troops, in coordination with other security agencies, have successfully neutralised some terrorists and apprehended a notorious arms courier linked to a wanted terrorist.

The army, which expressed this on its social media platform on Wednesday night, said the operation also led to the recovery of arms and ammunition, while several kidnapped victims were rescued, and multiple suspects were apprehended.

“On 3 September 2024, troops deployed in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State raided a terrorist stronghold in the Mandara Mountains. After a fierce firefight, the terrorists were forced to abandon 24 hostages, who were then rescued.

“A sweep of the area yielded 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one AK-47 rifle magazine, a Dane gun, and other items.

“In a parallel operation in Kaduna State, troops on an offensive mission to dismantle a kidnappers’ den neutralised one criminal in Kabode village, Kachia Local Government Area, while others took to their heels. Four victims were rescued, and the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, 10 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, six motorcycles, and three mobile phones,” the statement further said.

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In another operation, troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, conducted a joint offensive into Keyeri Hills and Gidan Dogo areas of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“During the operation, a terrorist arms courier was apprehended while transporting weapons for insurgents in the Gidan Dogo forest.

“Items recovered include three AK-47 rifles, one Galil rifle, 1,621 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 222 rounds of 7.62 x 36mm ammunition, 138 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two extra AK-47 magazines, and one G3 rifle magazine,” the statement disclosed, stating that the troops also arrested eight additional individuals connected to the crime.

“In a separate operation, troops stationed in Plateau State raided a criminal hideout in Riyom Local Government Area, resulting in the arrest of two suspects,” the statement further said.

Troops recovered two mobile phones and a knife and while in Barikin Ladi Local Government Area, they recovered 64 rustled cattle in Fann village.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations suggest that the cattle were stolen during the Mangu crisis earlier this year.