Troops eliminate 8 terrorists, rescue 40 hostages

.As NAF air strikes destroy terrorists’ logistics base in Kaduna

The Nigerian Army says its troops have eliminated eight terrorists and rescued 40 abducted individuals in a series of coordinated operations across the country.

The army, in a post on its official X Handle on Monday, said the recent victories had further tightened the noose around the necks of unrepentant terrorists and their collaborators.

The post added that the troops also apprehended a notorious arms courier found with a large cache of ammunition, striking a major blow against arms proliferation by criminal elements.

According to army, troops, acting acting on genuine intelligence on Sept. 28, conducted a strategic stop-and-search operation along the Lafia-Keffi Road in Nasarawa State.

“This resulted in the arrest of a firearms courier and the recovery of 303 live rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition concealed in a bag.

“The suspect and the vehicle were immediately taken into custody, and further investigations are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices.

“In another operation in Kaduna State, troops executed precision strikes in the forests near Danmari and Saulawa villages in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, where one terrorist was eliminated.

“Additional engagements in Ankwa village of Kachia Local Government Area also led to the annihilation of two more terrorists and the recovery of a locally made firearm, 11 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, and a motorcycle used by the terrorists,” it said.

The post also revealed that troops in an encounter with fleeing terrorists at Faayijiwa Fandanari village in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno, recovered two AK-47 rifles, 61 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO), 51 rounds of 7.62mm (special ) ammunition, hard drugs and various supplies.

It said the terrorists abandoned the firearms and ammunition after succumbing to the troops’ superior firepower.

According to the post, further operations in Gwoza Local Government Area resulted in the neutralization of three terrorists near Ashigashiya village, while vigilant troops responding to credible intelligence, pursued and intercepted a convoy suspected of transporting logistics to terrorists at Gubio.

“Three vehicles loaded with food supplies intended for terrorist camps were seized, and the sum of N2,400 recovered.

“The efforts in Kukawa Local Government Area yielded another victory as troops, acting on intelligence, intercepted terrorists attempting to relocate abducted victims from Cijin village.

“The terrorists fled upon sighting the troops, abandoning 38 hostages, including six men, eight women, and 24 children, who were safely rescued by the troops.

“Meanwhile, in Yobe, troops responding to reports of terrorists extorting civilians staged a successful ambush in Sasawa village in Damaturu Local Government Area.

“The troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK-47 rifle along with a motorcycle.

“The Chief of Army Staff has commended the troops for their bravery and relentless fight for peace. He also expressed gratitude to the citizens whose continuous provision of credible information has been instrumental in these successes.

“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its mission to obliterate terrorism and safeguard the lives of all Nigerians,” it added.

In a related development, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) has destroyed terrorist logistics base at Yadi Forest in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Group Capt. Kabiru Ali, on Monday in Abuja.

Ali said the operation was executed following credible intelligence indicating the huge presence of terrorists and their weapons cache in the Yadi Forest.

He said the intensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance confirmed the consistent presence of terrorists and their motorcycles at the location.

According to him, additional intelligence revealed that the logistics base belonged to the notorious terrorist kingpin, Kadade Gurgu, a close ally of Dogo Gide.

He added that available intelligence at the disposal of the NAF revealed that Kadage Gurgu had been providing shelter for notorious terrorist kingpins following the aggressive military operations in Sokoto and Zamfara States.

Ali said the air component dispatched an aircraft, supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, to attack the target.

According to him, the target area initially appeared uninhabited but as the aircraft approached, some of the terrorists were seen emerging from under the shrubbery and running away from the area.

“Subsequently, the target were engaged recording successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke seen.

“Reports from independent sources, including local informants around the general area, later confirmed that the logistics base was totally destroyed and scores of terrorists were killed as a result of the attack.

“The NAF, in collaboration with surface forces, will continue to dominate the battlespace through extensive situational awareness, constant patrols, and targeted interdiction of bandits’ safe havens within its area of responsibility and neighbouring states.

“This aims to decimate and flush out terrorism and criminal activities within the Northwest and North Central region,” he said.