By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Army says troops have killed three terrorist commanders alongside 16 other fighters in recent encounters in the North East and other theatres of operations.

A source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the terror commanders were identified as Modu Dogo (Munzir of Dogon Chukun), another unidentified Munzir, and Abu Aisha Qaid of Tumbun Mota.

The source said that troops also apprehended 26 suspects, rescued victims, and recovered 109 rustled cattle, weapons and other logistics items.

He said the terrorists’ commanders were killed during clashes in Borno and Adamawa States after intense engagements.

According to him, troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, an anti-aircraft link, 14 motorcycles, seven blankets and a mobile phone after the encounters.

The source said a terrorist informant and logistics supplier, who had secretly aided terrorists for more than four years, was arrested around Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.

In the North West, he said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued two kidnapped victims during operations in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

He added that troops also carried out patrols in Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi States, recovering cash, phones and other items, while disrupting terrorist movements and preventing further attacks on rural communities.

“In the North Central, troops of Operation MESA arrested a suspected kidnapper in Yagba Local Government Area of Kogi.

“The suspect was neutralized while attempting to escape from custody,” he said.

The source added that troops ambushed kidnappers along Okehi–Kabba forest axis, killing two terrorists while others escaped with injuries.

He added that troops neutralised a violent extremist identified as a spiritualist in Lokoja

The military source also revealed that troops of Operation Ensuring Peace eliminated insurgents in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas of Plateau, following the abduction and killing of a traditional ruler in the area.

“In Kanam Local Government Area, troops intercepted criminals who rustled109 cattle.

“The extremists fled, abandoning the livestock, which were recovered and returned to the rightful owner,” he added.

He said the troops Operation Whirl Stroke eliminated two insurgents and armed robbers as well as recovered weapons in Benue and Taraba States.

In the South East, the source said the troops of Operation UDO KA apprehended a high-profile IPOB/ESN criminal, Akachukwu Alaka, also known as Akanna.

He said the suspect was nabbed during a sting operation in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra on Monday.

According to him, troops also raided the hideout of another notorious IPOB/ESN leader, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, also known as Gentle de Yahoo, in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo.

The source said the criminals fled before troops arrived but recovered a pistol, 145 rounds of ammunition, six phones, police and army uniforms, and a Biafran insignia.

“Further exploitation uncovered a criminal workshop where stolen vehicles were dismantled for sale.

“Troops destroyed the facility and burnt10 motorcycles used by the criminals in various attacks.

“Troops also neutralized two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by IPOB/ESN elements in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo.

“The devices were destroyed without any casualties recorded.

In the South South, the source said the troops of Operation Delta Safe, in collaboration with NDLEA, arrested 21 drug suspects in Bayelsa.

He said that large quantities of illicit substances were seized in the raid.

According to him, troops further uncovered illegal refineries in Rivers, apprehended two suspected bunker operators, killed one other, and destroyed several dugout pits containing refined petroleum products in line with directives.

According to him, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, and urged them to sustain operational momentum until terrorism and criminality are defeated. (NAN)