By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Army says its troops have in the last 24 hours, recorded significant operational successes against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in various operations across the country.

The operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, indicated that troops neutralised a terrorist scout, apprehended several suspects and recovered weapons, ammunition and communication equipment.

In Borno, the report said troops of 73 Battalion (Motorised) neutralised a suspected terrorist scout during an ambush operation near Malari village in Konduga Local Government Area after the suspect ignored repeated warnings to halt.

It also disclosed that troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion recovered seven motorcycles, a PKT machine gun, 1,010 rounds of QJC ammunition and other military items during exploitation operations following the recent terrorist attack on Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area.

It added that troops of 145 Battalion arrested a suspected drug peddler in Damasak and recovered illicit substances, while troops of 144 Battalion apprehended a suspected terrorist informant in Madagali, Adamawa.

In Kaduna State, the report said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma fought through an ambush mounted by more than 50 suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol in Kachia Local Government Area and forced the criminals to retreat.

It added that troops of 1 Brigade Quick Response Force apprehended eight suspected terrorists in Zamfara and recovered seven motorcycles, mobile phones, power banks, handheld radios, camouflage uniforms and other items.

“In Niger State, troops of Operation Savannah Shield arrested three suspected terrorists linked to the abduction of a medical doctor and recovered phones, cash and materials believed to be connected to criminal activities.

“The troops also apprehended two suspected terrorist spies allegedly conducting reconnaissance around military facilities in Borgu Local Government Area of the state.

“In Plateau, troops launched a search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of a three-year-old girl in Bassa Local Government Area and arrested a suspected kidnappers’ informant in Mangu Local Government Area,” it said.

The report further revealed that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke recovered a locally fabricated pistol abandoned by fleeing bandits in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue.

“Similarly, troops of 14 Brigade and other security agencies arrested three suspected gunrunners in Abia and recovered seven Dane guns, 22 live cartridges and a motorcycle.

“In Rivers, troops conducting anti-illegal bunkering operations uncovered and destroyed an illegal refining site in Orashi National Forest, recovering equipment and petroleum products used for illicit activities.

“Ongoing operations across various theatres remain focused on sustaining pressure on terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening national security,” it said. (NAN)

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