The Nigerian Army said soldiers engaged in the counter terrorism, banditry and other security operations across the country has recorded significant successes in its renewed onslaught against insurgency with the arrests of Boko Haram terrorists ransom negotiators, informants, collaborators and logistics suppliers.

The operations also led to rescue of 138 kidnapped victims and recovery of large cache of arms, ammunition, improvised explosive device (IED) components among other weapons.

Also arrested is suspected drug peddler attempting to infiltrate Damasak Town, Mobbar LGA, with illicit substances including tramadol and diazepam.

Giving an update of operations conducted, the army said “On 20 July 2025, troops of 1 Brigade, in conjunction with local vigilantes, acted on credible intelligence and rescued 106 kidnapped victims including 8 women, 85 girls, and 13 boys at the outskirts of Mayanchi Village towards Bayan Ruwa axis in Maru LGA, Zamfara State. The terrorists fled the scene under superior firepower from the troops, leaving behind the victims who were safely handed over to the District Head of Mayanchi for proper documentation and reunification.

In a separate but related non-kinetic engagement on the same day in Zamfara State, 32 additional kidnapped victims, comprising 27 adult females and 5 male minors, were released to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Team by the terrorists. Also handed over were 5 AK-47 rifles and one DUSHKA gun. The victims and weapons have since been handed over to the Sector Commander, SDS Zamfara State.

Elsewhere in the North-East, troops of 144 Battalion with support from the Hunters/Hybrid Forces ambushed fleeing ISWAP/JAS terrorists at Takaskala in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State, recovering critical IED-making materials, including detonators with cords, pressure plates, batteries, plastic explosives, and a bicycle. In Borno State, troops of 242 Recce Battalion successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Monguno LGA. Subsequent exploitation led to the recovery of six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, an RPG bomb, empty magazine, and other items.

Also, on 20 July, a joint intelligence operation by troops of Sector 3 and Civilian JTF led to the arrest of a suspected ISWAP informant in Abari, Monguno LGA. In another operation, 1 Brigade troops arrested a terrorist collaborator in Tofa Village, Maru LGA, Zamfara State. Investigations revealed that the suspect served as a ransom negotiator and logistics supplier for the terrorists. Earlier, on 19 July, troops of 145 Battalion Damasak, alongside the Civilian JTF, arrested a suspected drug peddler attempting to infiltrate Damasak Town, Mobbar LGA, with illicit substances including tramadol and diazepam.

These successes stressed the Nigerian Army’s relentless commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity and restoring peace across troubled regions. The Nigerian Army appreciates the cooperation of local communities and security stakeholders and assures Nigerians of its unwavering resolve to protect lives and property. (Daily Sun)