The Nigerian Army has recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres within three days, neutralising eight terrorists, arresting 51 suspects and rescuing 27 victims during coordinated counterterrorism and anti-crime operations nationwide.

In Borno State, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, 152 Task Force Battalion and 192 Battalion conducted ambush and clearance operations that resulted in the neutralisation of four ISWAP/JAS fighters.

The operations, according to a statement on the Facebook handle of the Army, also led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, four magazines loaded with 70 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 31 rounds of 12.7mm, 171 rounds of 7.62x54mm linked, 183 rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO, an AK-47 working part and a Baofeng radio.

Although no victims were rescued in the North East, troops successfully repelled infiltration attempts around Chibok.

A series of operations in Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna and Delta States under Operation WHIRL STROKE and Operation ENDURING PEACE led to the rescue of 20 victims, including six adult females and a minor in Tsanyawa/Kankia, as well as several others in Panyam, Zaki-Biam, Yagba West, Odo Eri, Sanga LGA and Isoko North.

Troops also arrested multiple suspects, among them two alleged kidnappers in Panyam, four human traffickers in Sardauna, three extremist collaborators in Ukum, 13 illegal miners in Lau, two suspected cultists in Delta and a gunrunner in Plateau.

In Taraba State, troops neutralised four violent extremists during a communal clash response in Karim Lamido, recovering a fabricated AK-47 rifle, three Dane guns, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles.

Additional operations in Plateau led to the recovery of 76 rustled cattle, which were returned to their owners.

In the South-South, anti-oil theft operations resulted in the deactivation of an illegal refining site containing about 1,000 litres of stolen crude.

Joint efforts with the NDLEA further led to the arrest of 25 drug suspects in Bayelsa and Rivers States.

Troops in Kaduna State also intercepted vehicles transporting a large consignment of explosives, including 5,000kg of gelatine, 3,000 metres of cordtex fuse, 10 electric detonators and 1,000 metres of connecting wire.

Security agencies, according to the statement, have commenced investigations into the illegal movement of the materials.

One of the major breakthroughs of the period was the arrest of notorious gunrunner Shuaibu Isah, also known as “Alhaji,” who was seized while attempting to receive 1,000 rounds of ammunition from accomplices currently being trailed.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations to secure all parts of the country and warned that terrorists, criminals and their collaborators will continue to face intense pressure until peace is fully restored.