Nigerian Army has reported results from a coordinated nationwide operation, saying its troops killed 47 terrorists and arrested 19 criminal suspects within the last 72 hours.
Gatekeepers News reports that the army disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the operations involved both ground and air components across different parts of the country.
According to the statement, the offensive also led to the rescue of more than 30 kidnap victims, as well as the recovery of arms, ammunition, and other logistics.
The army described the results as part of its sustained offensive against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening national security.
The army said troops deployed to the north-west and north-central regions recorded multiple breakthroughs through intelligence-driven ground missions.
It said that in Sokoto State, troops from forward operating bases in Binji and Tangaza Local Government Areas (LGAs) neutralised three Lakurawa terrorists during successful ambushes, recovering one AK-47 rifle, a motorcycle, communication radios, mobile phones and other items.
It added that similarly in Niger State, troops engaged armed terrorists on motorcycles in Munya LGA, neutralising one terrorist and recovering weapons, ammunition, communication equipment, and logistics.
In Zamfara State, fighting patrols in Anka and Maru LGAs disrupted terrorist activities, neutralised two terrorists, destroyed their hideouts, and rescued civilians who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The army also said security operations in Kaduna State stopped planned armed robbery and kidnapping attempts in Sanga and Zango Kataf LGAs, leading to the rescue of victims and the arrest of suspected cattle rustlers.
Items recovered during the operations included a locally made rifle, ammunition, and stolen livestock. In Plateau State, troops arrested three suspects linked to cattle rustling in Barkin Ladi and Wase LGAs, with motorcycles, knives, mobile phones, and cash recovered.
Operations in the South-South and South-East zones also yielded notable results. The army explained that in Rivers State, troops thwarted planned illegal activities along the Cawthorne Channel in Degema LGA, arresting two suspects and recovering tools intended for sabotage.
In Delta State, the army said troops intercepted two wooden boats carrying about 1,700 litres of stolen crude oil, describing the action as a serious setback for economic sabotage.
In Imo State, one suspect connected to the shooting of a civilian was arrested and handed over to the Nigerian Police for further investigation.
In the Federal Capital Territory, the army said an operation against illegal mining activities in Gwagwalada resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects and the recovery of a motorcycle and petroleum products. The air component of the ongoing campaign also carried out precision strikes on terrorist hideouts in the north-east.
According to the army, air strikes on identified ISWAP and JAS logistics bases and gathering points in Borno State neutralised at least 42 terrorists, with secondary explosions pointing to the destruction of weapons and explosives. It added that follow-up strikes targeted fleeing fighters and other locations.
The army said that across all operational areas, more than 30 kidnap victims, including women and children, were rescued. It added that the victims received medical care before being reunited with their families.
