By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Army says its troops have sustained nationwide offensive operations, recording fresh successes including the arrest of suspected terrorists, disruption of criminal networks, and rescue of kidnap victims across multiple theatres.

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

The report said the troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued kidnapped victims in Kwara after engaging suspected kidnappers in a forest, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.

It added that troops under Operation MESA in Kogi apprehended two suspected terrorists during offensive operations on their hideouts in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

“The operation led to the arrest of two suspects at Kakuma and Ijumu communities, with the recovery of four motorcycles and two chainsaw machines.

“The suspects and recovered items were handed over to the Nigeria Police for further action.

“Similarly, troops at the Forward Operating Base Afaka in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State apprehended a suspected terrorist,” it said.

The report indicated that the suspect confessed during preliminary investigation that he fled a terrorist camp due to internal clashes between rival leaders identified as Dogo Gide and Kabiru along the Kachia–Kagarko–Chikun axis.

In the North East, the report indicated that troops of Operation HADIN KAI had sustained pressure on terrorist elements, including the detection and safe disposal of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as ongoing offensive operations under Operation Desert Sanity V.

In the North West, it said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded to attacks and engaged armed elements across Sokoto and Zamfara States, forcing them to withdraw while efforts to rescue abducted victims continued.

“In Lagos, troops under Operation MESA arrested 15 suspects in Ibeju-Lekki over alleged involvement in illegal oil siphoning, recovering vehicles, a speedboat engine, pumping machines and hoses.

“Meanwhile, in the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with police and vigilantes, engaged armed elements after encountering multiple IEDs during a patrol in Anambra State, forcing the attackers to withdraw.

“In the South-South, troops intensified anti-criminality operations, including the arrest of suspects and disruption of illegal bunkering and drug trafficking activities.”

The army reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive operations, dismantling terrorist enclaves, and ensuring the safety and security of citizens across the country. (NAN)

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