Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised scores of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters during a fierce encounter in Borno State, recovering a large cache of arms and logistics in the process.
The successful operation, which unfolded over the last 24 hours, is part of the military’s sustained multi-theatre offensive codenamed Operation Hadin Kai, aimed at completely degrading terrorist networks operating in the Lake Chad region and across the country.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the troops demonstrated exceptional gallantry as they repelled the terrorist attack, neutralizing the fighters and recovering sophisticated weaponry before they could flee the scene.
“The troops neutralised the ISWAP terrorists who attempted to overrun their positions, recovering one PKT machine gun loaded with 70 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition, one G3 rifle, and one AK-47 rifle,” the statement read. “In addition, troops also confiscated various logistics items belonging to the insurgents, including communication devices, food supplies, and medical equipment intended to sustain their criminal enterprise.”
The statement further revealed that in a related development, one terrorist family member surrendered to troops in the same theatre, indicating a growing wave of desertions within terrorist ranks due to the military’s relentless pressure.
Beyond the North East, the Nigerian Army intensified its 24-hour nationwide onslaught across other theatres of operation. In the North West, troops successfully diffused an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Zamfara State, preventing potential civilian casualties.
In Kaduna State, vigilant troops intercepted five fabricated rifles from a suspected gunrunner, dealing a blow to the illegal arms trade fueling banditry.
Across the North Central and Southern regions, intelligence-led operations in Benue, Taraba, Abia, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Kogi States led to the arrest of 20 suspected criminals linked to kidnapping, arms trafficking, and drug peddling. Items recovered include one pump-action shotgun, one double-barrel gun, one MAC-4 rifle, multiple rounds of ammunition, and assorted charms.
In the Niger Delta, troops intensified the fight against economic sabotage, uncovering about 45,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 960 litres of illegally refined petroleum products. Two illegal refining sites with ovens and reservoirs were dismantled.
Additionally, troops rescued kidnapped victims in Kogi State and recovered 58 rustled sheep in Sokoto State, reinforcing public safety and restoring confidence in affected communities.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute and relentless in its nationwide offensive, sustaining aggressive operations to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks, recover illicit weapons, protect civilians, secure critical national assets, and decisively rid the nation of all forms of criminality,” Major General Nwachukwu added.
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