By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of the Nigerian Army have sustained offensive operations across multiple theatres, neutralising at least 25 terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, and recovering arms and ammunition in the last 24 hours.

This is contained in a summary of operations made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by a credible military source on Monday in Abuja.

The source said the successes were recorded under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Operation Fansan Yamma, Operation Whirl Stroke, and Operation Delta Safe.

In the North-East, he said the troops of 73 Battalion (Mechanised), supported by Hybrid Forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force, laid an ambush at a known terrorist crossing point in Sojiri, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno, on Jan. 4.

According to him, troops made contact with the terrorists during the operation, neutralised five of them, recovered one AK-47 rifle, and rescued three hostages abducted by the terrorists.

He also confirmed a successful air strike on an ISWAP/JAS terrorist enclave at Garin Mallam Idrissa, east of Garin Abu Ayuba, within the Nduva area of Borno.

According to him, battle damage assessment confirmed that 18 terrorists were neutralised, including a high-value terrorist commander identified as Munzir, also known as Baa Yanziye.

He added that nine terrorist motorcycles were destroyed during the strike, significantly degrading the terrorists’ mobility and operational capability, while further assessment of the strike effects was ongoing.

The source said the troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, working with Hybrid Forces, ambushed terrorists along the Meleri–Ngirbua axis in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe at about 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 4.

“During the encounter, troops neutralised two terrorists and recovered one AK-47 rifle, with exploitation of the area still in progress.

“In the North-Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) recorded a major breakthrough with the recovery of a large cache of arms in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba.

“In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed three illegal refining sites at Uburum Community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers, recovering and destroying locally fabricated ovens, drums, jerrycans, and plastic tanks used for crude oil refining.

“Also, troops arrested a suspected gunrunner at Panapena area, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta, recovering two mobile phones and ₦22,700 from the suspect,” he said.

The sour’e reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian army to sustaining pressure on terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements across the country.

He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies. (NAN)

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