Nigerian Army eliminates 19 terrorists including 3 commanders

Nigerian Army has reported the successful elimination of three terrorist commanders and 16 other fighters in recent operations across the North East and other regions, according to a source at Army Headquarters who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The commanders, identified as Modu Dogo (Munzir of Dogon Chukun), an unidentified Munzir, and Abu Aisha Qaid of Tumbun Mota, were killed during intense clashes in Borno and Adamawa States.

The source revealed that troops apprehended 26 suspects, rescued hostages, and recovered 109 rustled cattle, along with weapons and logistics items.

Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, magazines, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, an anti-aircraft link, 14 motorcycles, seven blankets, and a mobile phone.

A terrorist informant and logistics supplier, active for over four years, was arrested in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.

In the North West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued two kidnapped victims in Sabon Birni, Sokoto State, and conducted patrols in Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi States, seizing cash, phones, and other items while disrupting terrorist activities.

In the North Central region, Operation MESA troops arrested a suspected kidnapper in Yagba, Kogi State, who was neutralized during an escape attempt. An ambush in Okehi–Kabba forest killed two terrorists, with others fleeing injured.

A violent extremist, identified as a spiritualist, was also neutralized in Lokoja.

In Plateau State, Operation Ensuring Peace troops eliminated insurgents in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas following the abduction and murder of a traditional ruler. In Kanam, criminals rustling 109 cattle fled, leaving the livestock, which was returned to its owner.

Operation Whirl Stroke troops in Benue and Taraba States neutralized two insurgents and armed robbers, recovering additional weapons.

In the South East, Operation UDO KA apprehended a high-profile IPOB/ESN criminal, Akachukwu Alaka, alias Akanna, in a sting operation in Awka South, Anambra, on Monday.

A raid on the hideout of another IPOB/ESN leader, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, alias Gentle de Yahoo, in Okigwe, Imo, led to the recovery of a pistol, 145 rounds of ammunition, six phones, police and army uniforms, and a Biafran insignia.

Troops uncovered a criminal workshop dismantling stolen vehicles, which was destroyed along with 10 motorcycles used in attacks.

Additionally, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by IPOB/ESN in Njaba, Imo, were neutralized without casualties.

In the South South, Operation Delta Safe, in collaboration with the NDLEA, arrested 21 drug suspects in Bayelsa, seizing large quantities of illicit substances.

Troops also uncovered illegal refineries in Rivers, apprehended two suspected bunker operators, neutralized one other, and destroyed several dugout pits containing refined petroleum products, in line with directives.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism, urging them to maintain momentum until terrorism and criminality are eradicated, the source stated. (NAN)