ARMY NEUTRALISES FOUR TERRORISTS, ARREST 45 SUSPECTED CRIMINALS NATIONWIDE. (PHOTO).

 Army neutralises four terrorists, arrest 45 suspected criminals nationwide

Nigerian Army’s troops on operation across the country have neutralised four terrorists and arrested 53 suspected criminals in the past three days. 

Over 4,000 liters of stolen crude and petroleum products were also recovered during the operations conducted between October 10 to 13.

A source at the Army Headquarters told The Nation on Wednesday that recent intensified operations have significantly degraded the capabilities of terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements by disrupting their logistics and eliminating key leaders.

According to the source, in the North East, the 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, Borno State, arrested two suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics suppliers in possession of 52 mat yards. 

Also, 156 Task Force Battalion apprehended a terrorist spy in Mainok, Kaga Local Government Area.

In the North West, the source said 17 Brigade troops at Mabai in Katsina State repelled a terror attack, neutralising one terrorist and recovering three AK-47 rifles and 11 motorcycles, while two soldiers wounded in action were promptly stabilized and receiving treatment. 

“In another operation, troops of 1 Brigade recovered 18 rustled cattle in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, Zamfara State, which were handed over to local authorities, while 1 Battalion (Rear), collaborating with personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), arrested a terrorist collaborator in Augie, Kebbi State, recovering a motorcycle and mobile phone,” the source added. 

According to the source, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in the North Central, raided criminal hideouts at Angwan Kuje, Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and arrested three suspected kidnappers. 

“Also troops at Awe also recovered a motorcycle following an exchange of fire with fleeing kidnappers. Similarly, 177 Guards Battalion discovered an illegal mining site behind Gurku Hill in Karu Local Government Area, arresting nine suspects who were handed over to the NSCDC for further investigation.”

In the South East, the source said 34 Artillery Brigade in Imo State neutralized one Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) fighter and arrested two others during a raid on their hideout in Mbaïtoli Local Government Area, and recovered ammunition, mobile phones, charms and illicit substances.

Additionally, 143 Battalion apprehended an IPOB/ESN logistics supplier linked to a notorious leader in Lokpaukwu community, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, seizing radios, gunpowder, and other items. Meanwhile, 14 Field Engineer Regiment in Anambra State disrupted IPOB/ESN activities in Orumba South LGA, recovering a locally made pistol, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, walkie-talkies, and other items after the criminals detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and fled.

In the South-South region, the source said, 16 Brigade and 29 Battalion in Rivers and Abia States discovered and destroyed multiple illegal refining sites containing over 4,000 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO.

“Troops also intensified anti-drug operations in collaboration with the NDLEA, arresting 15 suspects in separate raids in Edo and Lagos States, destroying cannabis farms and handing over all recovered items to relevant agencies,” he said. 

The source reaffirmed the Army’s unwavering commitment to creating a safer environment that will boost economic activities, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to food security.