By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised scores of terrorists, apprehended more than 60 suspects, and rescued no fewer than 50 kidnapped victims in coordinated nationwide operations.

This is contained in an operational update made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

The report said the operations conducted in the last 24 hours across the North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-South, disrupted terrorist logistics networks, destroyed hideouts, and recovered arms, ammunition and logistics supplies.

In the North-East theatre, it said troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted precision fire missions and air interdiction operations against ISWAP/JAS elements in Borno State, neutralising scores of fighters, including identified commanders, and destroying vehicles and logistics bases.

“Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms tracked and engaged terrorist convoys and settlements, resulting in multiple neutralisations and the destruction of motorcycles and operational vehicles,” the report said.

The report added that troops also apprehended suspected informants and logistics suppliers in Borno and Yobe States, recovering cash, fuel, mobile devices and communication equipment used to support terrorist operations.

It said the troops of 232 Battalion in Adamawa raided criminal hideouts, apprehended 20 suspects, and recovered mobile phones and cash, as well as rescue of kidnapped victims and recovery of stolen property.

“In the North-West and North-Central theatres, troops conducted offensive operations in Kebbi, Sokoto, Kogi and Plateau states, rescuing kidnapped civilians, dismantling criminal enclaves and arresting suspected collaborators,” it said.

The army said a suspected terrorist was neutralised in Kogi State after attempting to escape during interrogation, while troops also destroyed several forest-based hideouts linked to armed groups.

In Sokoto and Kebbi states, it said the troops foiled attacks on civilians, killed several attackers in engagements, and rescued abducted persons during ambush and pursuit operations.

According to the report, troops responded to multiple attacks on communities and farmlands, recovered rustled cattle, and maintained dominance in volatile areas amid continued search operations for fleeing assailants.

However, the army noted isolated attacks in Benue and Taraba states, where troops rescued victims and engaged armed groups, with casualties recorded on both sides.

In the South-South, it said the troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled a high-profile kidnapping in Delta State, rescued victims, recovered ransom money and operational vehicles, and intensified search operations for fleeing kidnappers.

It also said troops intercepted suspected vandals at an oil facility in Sapele, Delta State, as part of ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft and pipeline sabotage.

The military assured that operations would be sustained nationwide to consolidate gains, deny terrorists and criminal groups freedom of action, and enhance national security. (NAN)

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