By Emiola Osifeso
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded significant breakthroughs in the fight against terrorism and criminality across multiple regions of the country, arresting 54 suspects and rescuing nine kidnapped victims within the last 24 hours. The coordinated operations, carried out under different military theatres, also led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, recovery of arms and ammunition, and the dismantling of illegal bunkering sites.
A senior military source at Army Headquarters, who confirmed the developments to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday, said the operations underscored the renewed momentum of the armed forces against insecurity. According to the source, the troops’ activities stretched from the insurgency-ravaged North East, to bandit-dominated enclaves in the North West, and even to cybercrime and oil bunkering networks in the South West and South South.
In Yobe State, troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled a fierce assault by fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province and Boko Haram at Ngirboa Bridge in Gujba Local Government Area, forcing the terrorists to retreat after sustaining heavy losses. In Borno, a family member of ISWAP terrorists surrendered to soldiers of the 192 Battalion in Gwoza Local Government Area after fleeing Kunde village on the Mandara Mountains, further weakening the insurgents’ support base.
The North West also witnessed decisive operations. Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued eight kidnapped victims at Tungar Miragumi and Zugu villages in the Bukkuyum axis of Zamfara, while recovering 21 sheep during a counter-rustling raid in Anka. In Sokoto, security forces recovered 143 rustled sheep in Sabon Birni Local Government Area and destroyed a terrorist camp. Further south in Katsina State, soldiers engaged bandits in Sabuwa, killing one of the attackers. A more intense battle in Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara saw troops of the Forward Operating Base at Lilo kill six terrorists and recover weapons.
The sweep extended to the South West where troops of Operation MESA, working alongside other security agencies, cracked down on cybercrime networks. Ten suspected internet fraudsters were arrested at Ajegunle in Kishi Local Government Area of Oyo State, while in Abuja, 42 suspects were picked up at the Idu Industrial Area. Shockingly, a policeman found providing cover for the syndicate was also arrested and handed over for investigation.
In the Niger Delta, troops targeted oil thieves and maritime criminals. Illegal bunkering operations in Bayelsa and Rivers were disrupted, with large quantities of suspected refined diesel, hoses, pipes, and other equipment seized. In Rivers, two suspected sea pirates were arrested with locally made weapons and a fibre boat, while a joint operation with NDLEA operatives in Bayelsa led to the arrest of four narcotics suspects.
The Army source described the operations as part of a broader push to maintain pressure on criminal networks and reassure Nigerians of the military’s commitment to national security. “These successes demonstrate the resolve of the troops to protect the country and its people. We urge citizens to continue providing timely and accurate information that can guide security agencies in their operations,” the source said.
The wide-ranging operations reflect the multi-front nature of insecurity in Nigeria from terrorism in the North East, to banditry in the North West, cybercrime in the South West, and oil theft in the South South, yet the Nigerian Army insists that its growing presence and effectiveness in these regions is gradually reclaiming territory and restoring order.
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