The Nigerian Army has intensified its nationwide offensive against criminal elements, recording a series of coordinated successes across several states, including the arrest of suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, and dismantling of terrorist and criminal infrastructure.

The operations, conducted within the last 24 hours, underscore the Army’s renewed push to curb insecurity through intelligence-led missions and inter-agency collaboration.

In Kogi State, troops of the 12 Brigade, working with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante groups, carried out targeted operations in Kakuma Ileteju/Origa and Ijumu communities. The exercise led to the arrest of two suspected terrorists, while two motorcycles and chainsaw machines believed to be used for criminal activities were recovered.

In a related development, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA apprehended a suspected terrorist at Afaka in Kaduna State. Security sources revealed that the suspect admitted fleeing a terrorist enclave due to infighting among members of the group.

Further north in Sokoto State, troops of the COAS Intervention Battalion VII alongside 8 Division Nigerian Army Stalkers conducted clearance operations in Tangaza Local Government Area. Several terrorist hideouts were destroyed, while military items including camouflage trousers were recovered. The troops also rescued a Nigerien national who had been held in captivity for more than three weeks, pointing to the transnational scope of terrorist activities in the region.

Operations in Niger State saw troops neutralise threats by safely disposing of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), arresting five suspects, and dismantling both terrorist camps and illegal mining sites linked to criminal networks.

In the North-Central region, troops responded promptly to a distress call in Kwara State, forcing fleeing kidnappers to abandon three abducted victims, who were subsequently rescued unharmed.

In Edo State, security forces recorded multiple breakthroughs, rescuing victims of kidnapping operations and arresting five suspected kidnappers. Recovered exhibits included an AK-47 rifle with ammunition and mobile phones. Additional operations within the state also led to the rescue of two kidnapped farmers.

Similarly, troops operating in Delta State apprehended a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at Umunede junction during a routine security operation.

In the South-South, troops of 2 Brigade launched raids on drug trafficking hideouts in Akwa Ibom State, resulting in the arrest of six suspects. A variety of illicit substances were seized, including cannabis, methamphetamine, codeine, and tramadol, along with a significant amount of cash.

Meanwhile, in Rivers State, troops uncovered and dismantled an extensive illegal oil bunkering network. The operation led to the recovery of equipment used for refining stolen petroleum products, including pipes, hoses, reservoirs, and drum ovens, as well as quantities of Automotive Gas Oil.

In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE intercepted criminal elements, arresting nine suspects and recovering firearms, ammunition, motorcycles, and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.

Additionally, troops in Abia State uncovered sacks of suspected stolen crude oil concealed along the Imo River axis, further highlighting ongoing efforts to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

Military authorities stated that the series of operations reflects the Army’s sustained operational tempo and commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the country.

The Nigerian Army reassured Nigerians of its determination to restore peace and security nationwide, urging citizens to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to enhance ongoing operations. (The Sun)

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