By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Army has sustained operational momentum across multiple theatres of operation, killing scores of terrorists and disrupting criminal networks nationwide in a series of coordinated, intelligence-led operations in the last 24 hours.
A credible Army Headquarters source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops operating under various joint operations had maintained pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements and continued to deny them freedom of action.
The source said troops under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East had continued offensive actions under Operation Desert Sanity V, successfully intercepted and neutralised several suicide bombers following credible intelligence.
He said they succeeded in preventing planned attacks on civilian populations and military targets, adding that suicide vests, arms, ammunition and other improvised explosive device materials were recovered, while fleeing terrorists were forced into difficult terrain.
In the North-West, he said the troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded further successes by foiling planned attacks on communities in parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and Kaduna states.
The source added, “Acting on timely intelligence and distress calls from residents, troops engaged armed elements at identified staging areas, forcing them to abandon their missions and flee.
“The Nigerian Air Force, providing close support to ground forces, also carried out precision air interdiction missions against armed groups moving in convoys.
“The strikes resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists and destruction of their motorcycles and weapons, significantly degrading their operational capability.”
The source also confirmed the arrest of several suspects linked to terrorist networks, including logistics couriers and informants. Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider networks and prevent future attacks.
Elsewhere, he said the troops recovered rustled livestock during patrols, intercepted ammunition at snap checkpoints, and destroyed criminal hideouts linked to kidnapping and banditry.
In the North-Central and South-South regions, the source revealed that assorted arms, including rifles and locally fabricated weapons, were recovered following intelligence-led operations and tip-offs from members of the public.
He reiterated that troop welfare had remained a priority, noting that scheduled welfare flights to rotate personnel in and out of operational theatres were conducted seamlessly.
The source also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian army to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
He called on the citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security efforts across the country. (NAN) (www.nanneww.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
