Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have intensified their ongoing counterterrorism offensives across the North East, neutralising a top terrorist commander and recovering assorted weapons in multiple operations.

Zagazola Makama was reliably informed that the troops, in a special operation conducted at Ngazalgana village, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe, made contact with terrorists and neutralised Malam Jidda, identified as the Ameer (leader) of Ngorgore and Malumti villages.

The sources said the troops recovered weapons from the slain commander, including AK-47 rifles, magazines and a motorcycle used by the terrorists for mobility.

“In another operation on the Timbuktu Triangle axis, a snap ambush team deployed by troops engaged Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements in a swift and decisive encounter.

“Some of the terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered additional AK-47 rifles and various categories of ordnance,” one of the sources said.

Similarly, in Abadam axis of northern Borno, troops conducting exploitation following a recent encounter in Mallamfatori continued to recover more bodies of terrorists and an assortment of abandoned weapons.

“The terrorists fled in disarray, leaving behind weapons of different calibres after the ferocious counterattack by the gallant troops,” the source added.

The ongoing operations are part of coordinated efforts by the Nigerian military to degrade terrorist enclaves and restore stability to affected communities across the North East. (Zagazola: Text, Excluding Headline)