By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Army has apprehended 199 criminal suspects and neutralised several terrorists in a sweeping display of tactical precision and unrelenting resolve, across multiple theatres of operation.

A credible source at the Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops intensified their nationwide counterterrorism and internal security operations.

He said the troops had sustained coordinated offensives in synergy with sister security agencies, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and local vigilante groups.

The source revealed that the operations led to the dismantling of key criminal networks, recovery of arms and ammunition, and the seizure of illicit funds, stolen petroleum products, and digital crime tools.

In Borno, he said the troops of 202 Battalion, operating alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), staged a successful ambush in the Bama axis, eliminating a suspected logistics courier for ISWAP/JAS terrorists.

According to him, recovered items included a bicycle and vital mechanical parts suspected to be used in enemy supply operations.

The source also revealed that in Sokoto State, operatives from the 8 Division Garrison Strike Team disrupted drug trafficking networks near Giginya Cantonment and Raymond Village.

He said the sting operation led to the arrest of four individuals and confiscation of narcotics, two motorcycles, a vehicle, N185,000 in cash, ATM cards, mobile phones, and a point-of-sale machine.

He added that in Katsina State, the troops of 17 Brigade repelled a deadly ambush on a Nigerian Police convoy in Malumfashi in a sharp military intervention.

According to him, during the counter-assault, security forces recovered a police Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and apprehended a notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammadu Hamisu, popularly known as Mamiyo, in possession of a motorcycle and communication devices.

“In Kogi, the troops working in tandem with the ONSA Hybrid Forces apprehended a suspected kidnapper with alleged ties to a known insurgent leader active in Yagba East Local Government Area.

“In Edo, soldiers of 322 Artillery Regiment launched a surprise raid on criminal hideouts within EMU Forest.

“A major suspect was captured, and troops recovered a double-barrel gun, fabricated pistol, 24 mobile phones, live cartridges, several motorcycles, and over N500,000 in cash.

“In the Federal Capital Territory, the vigilant troops of the 176 Guards Battalion, alongside ONSA Quick Response Teams, apprehended three extremist informants during a snap checkpoint operation along the Lokoja-Abaji corridor,” the source disclosed.

He added that in Plateau, under Operation Safe Haven, security forces apprehended a wanted cattle rustler, Zaki Kabiru, and another suspect implicated in a recent killing in Mangu Local Government Area.

“These are significant milestones in efforts to restore peace and security in the troubled region.

“One of the most consequential operations took place in Delta where troops of 3 Battalion stormed a cybercrime training hub in Warri.

“The operation led to the arrest of 183 suspected internet fraudsters and the seizure of 274 laptops, 87 mobile phones, and other digital devices used in online scams.

“These operations send a clear message to criminals and enemies of the state, that nowhere is safe for those who threaten Nigeria’s peace and security,” the senior military officer further said. (NAN)

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