The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Army

  • Army neutralises four terrorists, arrest 45 suspected criminals nationwide

    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. 

  • Nine kidnap victims rescued in Kwara as Army intensifies onslaughts 

    Nine kidnap victims rescued in Kwara as Army intensifies onslaughts 

    The Nigerian Army has continued to record successes in its operations in Kwara and Kogi States, neutralizing bandits and rescuing kidnap victims.

    Within the past two days, troops under 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a military onslaught against bandits/terrorists in the North West and part of North Central, rescued nine kidnap victims. 

    The victims were intercepted during a night patrol on Monday, October 13, along the Egbe-Okura road in Kogi State and the Okoloke-Patigi route in Kwara State, specifically in the Essalu community of Yagba West Local Government Area.

    Spokesman of 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, who revealed this in a statement on Tuesday, October 14, said the rescued victims, comprising four males, and five females, were kidnapped from their community, Matoku, in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on September 24. 

    He said the feat was due to continue extensive clearance operations by troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities of Kogi and Kwara States.

    Read Also: Army rescues two kidnap victims as GOC leads operations in Kwara

    Okoye said, “On interrogation, the victims revealed that about 3 weeks ago, terrorists raided their village, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, and kidnapped several persons. It was also disclosed that the criminals rustled an unconfirmed number of cattle.

    “The victims further narrated that the bandits who took them suddenly became apprehensive, resulting from their own troops’ sustained operations in the area. Consequently, they (terrorists) were compelled by circumstances to abandon them and flee.”

    He revealed the names of rescued victims as: Abdullahi Umar, aged 35, Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa, aged 55, Labaran Abubakar, aged 45, and Mr Umar Yanda, aged 30. 

    Others are: Mrs Hassana Muhammad, aged 25, Mrs Maryam Muhammad, aged 27, Mrs Aisha Idris, aged 20, and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, aged 12. 

    Okoye said that the rescued victims were administered first aid treatments and provided with food, after which the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division NA/Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, addressed the victims before they were handed to Patigi Local Government to reunite them with their families. 

    “The GOC, further proceeded to Lata, in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State where he applauded troops of both 12 and 22 Brigades for their continued synergy and collaboration towards achieving operational efficiency,” Okoye said.

    He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to rid the region of bandits and terrorists, and urged the public to provide troops with credible information to aid in combating insecurity and securing lives and property.

  • Army rescues two kidnap victims as GOC leads operations in Kwara

    Army rescues two kidnap victims as GOC leads operations in Kwara

    Two kidnap victims were rescued when the General Office Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen CR Nnebeife led soldiers to Babasango forest in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara state.

    The GOC was on an operational visit to the Army’s Patrol Base in Babanla when he advanced with the troops towards Babasango forest, rescuing the kidnap victims, spokesman of 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, revealed this in a statement on Saturday.

    The Nation reports the GOC had temporarily relocated from Ibadan, Oyo State, the headquarters of the 2 Division, to Kwara State, in September, to coordinate operations, following bandit attacks on the Ogba-Ayo community in Oke-Ode town, where scores were killed and many abducted.

    According to Lt.-Col. Okoye, Maj.-Gen. Nnebeife, who is also the Commander of Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, a military operation against bandits in the North West and parts of the North Central, was on an operation visit to Odofin, Ayekale, and Olegbede villages, following a bandit attack on traders at Olegbede village, about 12 km from Idofin-Ayekale, where three persons were killed.

    “Earlier, during an operational visit to Patrol Base Babanla, the GOC and troops of the Patrol Base advanced towards Babasango Forest, where they rescued 2 kidnapped victims,” Okoye said. 

    He said after the operation, the GOC visited Ayekale, on Thursday, October 9, where the village head, Oba Pius Oluwole, attributed the attack on his community to its close proximity to Babasango forest.

    “Maj.-Gen. Nnebeife, condoled with the Royal Father and assured him that the NA will sustain operations to flush out bandits and other criminal elements from the entire forest.

    “The rescued kidnap victims were handed over to Oba Pius Oluwole during the GOC’s visit,” Okoye said.

  • JUST IN: Four soldiers killed in Ngamdu attack, Army confirms

    JUST IN: Four soldiers killed in Ngamdu attack, Army confirms

    …as travelers recount ordeal 

    The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of four soldiers during the recent insurgent attack on the Military Super Camp at Ngamdu, located along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway.

    In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, and made available to journalists in Maiduguri, the Army said the troops successfully repelled the attackers despite intense gunfire.

    While earlier reports suggested that eight soldiers lost their lives in the encounter, the Army officially confirmed only four fatalities.

    According to the statement, the insurgents launched a coordinated assault on the camp using sporadic rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and armed drones but were ultimately subdued by the superior firepower of the Nigerian troops.

    The statement read, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack in the Ngamdu general area, following a swift response by forces on ground and reinforcement elements from 29 Task Force Brigade.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    “The terrorists employed Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), armed drones, and command-initiated Improvised Explosive Devices, targeting troops and own platforms. Despite the intensity of the attack, troops held their ground and responded with superior firepower, inflicting significant losses on the terrorists.

    “Unfortunately, own troops recorded 4 x Killed in Action (KIA) and 5 x Wounded in Action (WIA). Additionally, some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and Gun Trucks (GTs) sustained varying degrees of damage during the encounter.

    “The terrorists attempted to prevent reinforcements and inflict further casualties by planting multiple IEDs along the Ngamdu–Damaturu Main Supply Route (MSR). This necessitated a temporary closure of the MSR, as engineers swiftly responded to clear 3 IED-laden spots. Following successful clearance, the MSR has now been reopened to both military and civilian movement.

    “In response to the attack, troops were immediately resupplied with critical logistics, including MRAP tyres and ammunition, to sustain operations and restore full mobility.

    “Credible intelligence confirms heavy terrorist casualties, with reports indicating mass burials of about 15 bodies conveyed in pushcarts by the terrorists for burial around Bula Wura, near Wasaram.

    “As part of continued efforts to dominate the area, 29 Task Force Brigade has launched fighting patrols and exploitation operations aimed at denying the terrorists freedom of action and consolidating operational gains.

    “The gallantry and resilience of the troops have been commended and the public assured that normalcy would be sustained with operations ongoing to maintain peace and security in the area.”

    Meanwhile, travellers along the Maiduguri–Damaturu–Kano highway faced severe hardship on Thursday after the Nigerian Army blocked the road for more than seven hours following an insurgent attack on the Military Super Camp at Ngamdu.

    Hundreds of commuters were stranded on both ends of the highway, unable to proceed to their destinations. Many long-distance travellers heading to Bauchi, Jos, Abuja, and Kano were forced to turn back after realizing they could not continue their journeys in good time.

    Those who chose to wait were held up until about 1:00 p.m., when the road was finally reopened, though with heightened security checks that caused heavy gridlock at multiple checkpoints along the route.

    One of the stranded passengers, Mustapha Yaya, a master’s degree student at the University of Maiduguri who was traveling from Damaturu, lamented missing his 2:00 p.m. lecture due to the prolonged road closure.

    “It’s almost 1 p.m. now, and we are still stuck at Benishik, about 80 kilometers from Maiduguri. I doubt we’ll get moving in the next hour because the road is still blocked. I’ve already missed my lectures today,” he said.

    A commercial driver, Abdullahi from Kano, who was en route to Abuja, said he had to suspend his journey after all his passengers decided to cancel their travel plans.

    Findings by The Nation revealed that the Maiduguri–Damaturu–Kano highway had remained free from insurgent attacks for more than three years until the latest incident.

    Several travelers expressed fear over the renewed attack and appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the route remains secure.

    “This is the only safe road we have to Maiduguri. We’ve enjoyed relative peace for years, but this attack has made us anxious again. We’re calling on President Tinubu to secure this highway for travelers,” said Abubakar, one of the passengers.

  • Army to media: we must join forces against terrorists’ propaganda

    Army to media: we must join forces against terrorists’ propaganda

    The Nigerian Army has urged the media to join forces with the military to checkmate terrorists’ propaganda and prevent enemies of the state from eroding public trust and troops’ morale with falsehood.

    The acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Apollonia Anele, said this at the closing ceremony of the combined third and fourth quarters’ training seminar for the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) yesterday in Abuja.

    She said the current counter-insurgency/counter-terrorism campaign cannot be won by firepower alone, but by also mastering the dissemination of credible information.

    The seminar, with the theme: Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security, was attended by army officers, sister services, security and intelligence agencies, as well as defence correspondents.

    Anele noted that propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation have become dangerous weapons in the hands of terrorists and other non-state actors.

    Read Also: Army deploys troops in Kwara communities

    The Army spokesperson said this was the reason the media must work with the military to cushion the effects of these propaganda devices on national security.

    She said: “Over the past days, we have engaged in rigorous discussions, insightful presentations, and stimulating exchanges that have sharpened our perspectives on the vital interface between the military and the media in safeguarding our nation.

    “The issues dissected in this seminar have underscored a clear truth, that in today’s complex security environment, the battle is not won by firepower alone, but equally by the mastery of information. Propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation have become dangerous weapons in the hands of terrorists, secessionists, economic saboteurs, and their collaborators.

    “Our collective task is to ensure these falsehoods do not erode public trust, weaken national morale or undermine the sacrifices of our gallant troops who daily confront enemies of our state.”

    The spokesperson stressed that the Nigerian Army remained unwavering in its constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

    “Yet, to achieve lasting victory, the cooperation of the media is indispensable. You are not bystanders in this fight; you are strategic partners whose words and reports shape perception, build resilience, and mobilise public support for the armed forces,” Anele said.

    The Army spokesperson explained that the seminar was organised to provide a platform for deepening the partnership between the Army and the media, strengthening mutual trust and charting a clear path for more responsible, balanced and conflict-sensitive reportage.

    She urged the participants to translate the lessons they learnt into action, in the newsroom, on the field, or in various deployments.

    “It is only by doing so that the enemies of the country can be denied the oxygen of propaganda,” Anele said.

  • Army neutralizes nine terror-suspects, rescues 37 kidnap victims in Borno

    Army neutralizes nine terror-suspects, rescues 37 kidnap victims in Borno

    The Nigerian Army has recorded another major success in the ongoing onslaughts against terrorists and other non-state actors across the country.

    In coordinated ground and joint operations the troops neutralized nine terrorists, including five Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad (JAS), a Boko Haram splinter group, in Borno.

    They also neutralized two terrorists in a border between Ekiti and Kogi state, and one in Delta State.

    A military source told The Nation yesterday that troops recovered several weapons and logistics items from criminals in the operations that were conducted between October 2 and 6.

    Providing details on the operations, the source said 151 Task Force Battalion ambushed ISWAP/JAS terrorists at Dipchari in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, and in the firefight that ensued five terrorists were killed.

    “Similarly, 148 Battalion operating around the Iyemero community on the Ekiti–Kogi border neutralized two insurgents and recovered two new AK-47 rifles.

    Read Also: 2025 UTME: 176 underage candidates undergo screening for admission 

    While 3 Battalion repelled a large-scale attack on its location, inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists, with one confirmed killed and several others escaping with gunshot wounds,” the source said, adding “Troops also arrested eight criminal suspects for various offences including terrorism, kidnapping and illegal possession of weapons across Borno, Katsina, Imo and Plateau States. Among the arrests were an ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno, a suspected terrorist collaborator in Kukawa in Borno State, a wanted IPOB/ESN kingpin in Imo State, and a suspected gunrunner in Plateau State.”

    According to the military source, troops rescued 37 kidnap victims across Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, Delta and Kebbi States, in ongoing clearance operations.

    “Notably, 28 locals were freed from terrorist captivity in Sakaba, Kebbi State, including a pregnant woman who gave birth during the rescue,” the source said.

    “In separate missions, troops in Kaduna and Delta States rescued a total of seven kidnapped civilians, while another two victims were freed in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following a swift response by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE.”

    The source said troops have continued to intensify anti-smuggling and anti-oil theft operations in the South South, noting that in Imo State, combined forces of 34 Artillery Brigade and Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered multiple illegal refining sites, and destroyed over 20,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products.

    “Troops equally recovered one dane gun, one fabricated pistol, three AK-47 magazines, 12 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 93 belted rounds of 7.62mm NATO and several motorcycles used for criminal activities,” he said.

  • Army deploys troops in Kwara communities

    Army deploys troops in Kwara communities

    • AbdulRazaq hails Tinubu

    Nigerian Army headquarters has deployed a full brigade and heavy equipment in parts of Kwara South Senatorial District, it was gathered yesterday.

    Troops were yesterday already milling around through communities inward Oke Ode and Babanla, both in Ifelodun Local Government.

    The operation is also extending to Edu and Patigi to comb through thick forests from where kidnappers have launched cowardly attacks on communities and abducted people in return for ransom, it was gathered.

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the issue at the weekend on the sidelines of the visit to Jos, Plateau State capital, hailed the President for the support, and the military high-command and allied security forces for the renewed intervention to eliminate threats to public safety.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Alake at 69, describes him as loyal ally, patriot

    “We will not spare resources in support of the Military, DSS, Police and other security agencies as they work to strengthen security of lives and property,” the governor said in a statement welcoming the army deployment.

    “We are upbeat that this operation, as part of the ‘Operation Fasan Yanma’, will eliminate all of forms of threats in affected areas in Kwara South and Kwara North. I thank the President and the security agencies for the efforts so far. As I said a few days ago, we just need to double our efforts to save the people. We are confident that the Brig.-Gen. A. A. Babatunde-led Army Brigade will succeed in this important task and clear the entire areas.”

    He also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, the General Officer Commanding 2nd Division, and every other officer for their support.

  • Bandits never overran our troops, we gave them a bloody nose – Army

    Bandits never overran our troops, we gave them a bloody nose – Army

    The Nigerian Army said bandits terrorising communities in Kwara were given a bloody nose by troops, denying reports that they were overrun.

    It said 148 Battalion (Rear) that is conducting clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States have continued to record significant successes against the criminals.

    The clarification comes amid recent reports on social media alleging that bandits overran troops in Kwara and seized weapons and ammunition.

    Spokesperson of 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, dismissed the report, in a statement on Monday, stating that the reverse was the case. 

    He said: “Contrary to the sensational claims, troops of 148 Battalion (Rear) conducting ongoing clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States have continued to record significant operational successes. 

    “In a recent engagement, the troops mounted a strong blocking position along the Kwara–Ekiti border axis, where they neutralized two armed bandits and recovered two brand new AK-47 rifles.

    “At no time were Army positions overrun, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost to criminal elements, as mischievously reported by the online platform. 

    “The publication is a fabrication designed to mislead the public and undermine the morale of gallant troops diligently working to restore peace and stability in the region.”

    READ ALSO: I’ve not heard Tinubu complain about challenges he inherited, says Mohammed

    A military source had revealed to The Nation yesterday how the Nigerian Army in collaboration with sister services and security agencies eliminated a wanted terrorist kingpin, Kachalla Maidawa, and 11 of his foot soldiers, in the ongoing onslaughts against bandits/terrorists in Kogi and Kwara States.

    The source revealed that some weapons and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists after the operation, adding that troops continued to pursue the criminals into their enclaves.

    Lt.-Col. Okoye reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to deal ‘decisively’ with criminals across the country.

    He urged Nigerians to disregard the false report and continue supporting the military with timely and credible information that would aid ongoing operations. 

  • Army kills scores of terrorists, arrests 25 suspects, rescues 16 hostages

    Army kills scores of terrorists, arrests 25 suspects, rescues 16 hostages

    In ongoing onslaughts against terrorists and other criminal elements nationwide, the Nigerian Army has killed several terrorists, arrested 25 suspects, and rescued 16 kidnap victims. 

    According to a military source at the Army Headquarters, troops also recovered a large cache of ammunition and seized 1,200 litres of illicit petroleum products.

    Giving details on the operations conducted in the past few days, the source revealed that troops decimated Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Kolori and Karumi in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, as well as Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. 

    The source also revealed that troops intercepted a terrorist logistics supplier in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, confiscating 23 cans of petrol concealed in a bag. Additionally, troops in Mubi North foiled the smuggling of petrol and fertilizers.

    “In Zamfara State, the 1 Brigade foiled multiple terrorist attempts in Maradun, Tsafe, and Anka Local Government Areas, rescuing six kidnap victims and seizing several motorcycles,” he said. 

    “In Kaduna State, troops arrested a notorious kidnap kingpin in Mayir village, Sanga Local Government Area, following precise intelligence.

    “In Benue, Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized a violent extremist in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area and rescued 10 abducted passengers along the Kyado–Wukari road.” 

    Read Also: Nigeria @65: Unity is Nigeria’s greatest treasure, says Fintiri

    On operations in the South East, the military source said that troops arrested two cultists in Imo State, while activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) were disrupted in Anambra State, leading to detonation of three improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

    Regarding operations in the South East, the military source reported that troops arrested two cultists in Imo State, while in Anambra State, Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) activities were disrupted, resulting in the detonation of three improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

    “In Delta and Bayelsa States, troops recovered two locally made double-barrel guns, 27 cartridges and in joint operations with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), apprehended 19 drug dealers with cannabis, tramadol, pentazocine, diazepam and Canadian loud. 

    “In Rivers and Bayelsa, troops seized over 1,200 litres of illegally refined AGO and crude oil. Four suspected kidnappers were also nabbed in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State,” the source said. 

  • Army neutralises ISWAP fighters, foils terror attacks in Zamfara, Kwara

    Army neutralises ISWAP fighters, foils terror attacks in Zamfara, Kwara

    At least 25 non-state actors, including Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, violent extremists and kidnappers have been killed by Nigerian Army troops nationwide. 

    A military source at Army Headquarters told The Nation on Thursday night that the renewed efforts by frontline troops have led to the rescue of 16 kidnap victims, arrest of terrorists’ logistics suppliers in Borno and Adamawa states.

    Elaborating on the operations, the source said troops killed ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Karumi in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, and Kolori in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

    The source said troops arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, confiscating 23 containers of petrol concealed in a bag. Additionally, troops intercepted smuggled petrol and fertilizers in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

    “In Garkida, Adamawa State, a terrorist who confessed to participating in past attacks in Damboa Local Government Area was apprehended. Items recovered in the theatre include one M70AB2 rifle, four magazines, and 150 rounds of 7.62mm NATO,” the source explained. 

    According to the source, soldiers of 1 Brigade in Zamfara State continue to deny terrorist groups in the Northwest region the space to attack innocent civilians, having foiled multiple terrorist attempts and rescued six kidnap victims in Maradun, Tsafe, and Anka Local Government Areas.

    READ ALSO: Afenifere urges probe into Senator Natasha’s allegations against Akpabio 

    The source said: “In the North Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue State, neutralized a violent extremist during a pursuit in Katsina-Ala LGA and rescued 10 passengers abducted along the Kyado–Wukari road. 

    “In Kwara State, troops also foiled an attempted kidnapping on the outskirts of Eruku town in Ekiti Local Government Area, rescuing three victims and recovering a motorcycle. 

    “In Nasarawa State, troops intercepted a vehicle conveying illicit drugs, leading to the arrest of two suspects including the identified consignee.” 

    The military source noted that troops in the Southeast region have continued to maintain momentum against terrorists and criminal elements. Notably, they foiled activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in Orumba North, Anambra State, where criminals detonated three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) before fleeing.

    “The explosives and associated materials, including wires, batteries and cylinders, were safely disposed of,” he said. 

    “In Imo State also, troops arrested two cultists at Mgbidi, recovering a pistol, mobile phones and a motorcycle.” 

    According to the source, troops in the South-South region have continued to pursue oil thieves, vandals and cultists with remarkable successes. 

    The source said over 1,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (popularly known as diesel) and crude oil were seized in Rivers and Bayelsa States, and handled in line with Operation DELTA SAFE directives. 

    “In Delta and Bayelsa States, troops recovered two locally made double-barrel guns, 27 cartridges and arrested multiple drug dealers in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). 

    “A total of 19 drug suspects were also arrested with cannabis, tramadol, pentazocine, diazepam, and Canadian loud. Meanwhile, four suspected kidnappers were apprehended in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State,” he said.