Nigerian Army Crushes Terror Cells Nationwide: Terrorists Neutralized, Hostages Rescued, Arms and Logistics Seized

Nigerian Army Crushes Terror Cells Nationwide: Terrorists Neutralized, Hostages Rescued, Arms and Logistics Seized

Troops of the Nigerian Army have sustained offensive operations across multiple theatres within the last 24 hours, recording significant successes against terrorists and criminal elements. In a series of coordinated, intelligence-driven operations, troops neutralized 5 terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims, apprehended suspected collaborators and logistics suppliers and thwarted criminal activities across several states.

In Kogi State, troops of 12 Brigade rescued 2 kidnapped victims along the AGBEDE–ADANKOLO road in KABBA-BUNU LGA, forcing terrorists to abandon their captives during pursuit operations. Similarly, troops intercepted and arrested 2 suspected logistics suppliers along the TUNGA–ATSAWA axis. In Taraba State, troops responding to cattle rustling at RAFIN TABA recovered 198 cattle, one motorcycle, one pistol and a loaded revolver cylinder after engaging fleeing criminals. In Bauchi State, troops intercepted 5 motorcycles intended as ransom payment to facilitate the release of abducted victims.

Operations in the South-South and South-East regions led to the arrest of 27 suspects linked to drug trafficking and criminal networks in Bayelsa and Delta States, with the recovery of 2 locally made pistols, cannabis sativa, tramadol, diazepam and other illicit substances. In Abia State, troops uncovered and safely disposed of 4 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted to hinder troop movement, while in Cross River, a suspect was apprehended with a revolver pistol, sword, laptops, mobile phones and concealed weapons. Additionally, troops intercepted stolen metals, illegal petroleum products estimated at 900 litres and other logistics linked to economic sabotage in Rivers State.

In the North-East and North-West, troops recorded further gains with the neutralization of 2 terrorists attempting to emplace IEDs along the KONDUGA–KAWURI route, recovering 2 AK-47 rifles and magazines. In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE neutralized 3 terrorists during a successful ambush operation, while additional suspects were apprehended with arms including a pump-action gun and a fabricated AK-47 rifle. In Borno and Adamawa States, troops arrested suspected kidnappers and logistics suppliers, recovered an AK-47 rifle, cash, livestock and other items and rescued abandoned victims during pursuit operations in Sokoto and Katsina States.

Further successes were recorded in Kwara State where troops discovered terrorist logistics including ammunition, mobile phones, solar panels and repair tools, while in Kebbi State, troops intercepted a vehicle conveying rustled livestock and motorcycles, leading to the arrest of 5 suspects. Across these operations, items recovered include 2 AK-47 rifles, 2 magazines, pistols, ammunition, motorcycles, mobile phones, cash sums, livestock, illegal petroleum products, narcotics and IED-making materials, significantly degrading the operational capacity of criminal elements.

The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and protect citizens. These sustained operational gains underscore the Army’s relentless commitment, in synergy with sister security agencies and relevant stakeholders, to decisively defeat all threats to national security.