By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled a cross-border fuel smuggling attempt, apprehending 16 suspected terrorists in sustained offensive operations across North-East theatre.

This is revealed in the Nigerian Army’s operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

The report indicated that troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised), acting on intelligence, intercepted19 jerrycans of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and two carts in Gamboru/Ngala Ngala Local Government Area of Borno near the Nigeria–Cameroon border.

It said the troops raided the suspected smuggling routes in the area, forcing the suspects to flee and abandon the products.

“In another development, troops intercepted 16 suspects along the Biu–Buratai–Kamuya road in the Biu Local Government Area.

“Although the suspects claimed to be members of hybrid forces, a search led to the recovery of ammunition, magazines, improvised explosive device (IED) materials, military kits, and multiple mobile phones,” it said.

The report added that troops also recovered a motorcycle earlier carted away by terrorists during an attack in neighbouring Yobe.

According to the report, troops responding to the terrorist movement in Chibok Local Government Area engaged insurgents in a brief firefight, forcing them to retreat.

It said that troops had continued aggressive offensive operations under Operation Desert Sanity V, with sustained patrols and clearance missions across Sectors 3 and 4 to deny terrorists freedom of movement.

According to the report, the operations are part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics, dismantle criminal networks, and sustain pressure on insurgent elements in the region. (NAN)