The Nigerian Army has launched a series of coordinated offensives against terrorist groups across the country, neutralizing several insurgents and recovering a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
In a statement on Sunday, the Army said the operations, executed with precision and overwhelming firepower, forced terrorists to flee their hideouts, abandoning arms and supplies.
Major Offensive in Borno State
According to the statement, troops deployed in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State launched a coordinated assault on a fortified terrorist camp on March 1, following intelligence reports that insurgents were regrouping.
The ensuing firefight lasted several hours as troops overpowered the terrorists, neutralizing several of them and dismantling explosives laid along the route to the camp.
Recovered weapons included:
11 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs
760 rounds of 7.62mm linked ammunition
220 rounds of 12.7mm linked ammunition
One AK-47 rifle
440 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition
In a follow-up operation in Unguwan Abdullahi, troops destroyed terrorist structures and uncovered underground food stockpiles. During an engagement at Garin Fallujah, the Army said its forces neutralized a notorious terrorist commander, Abba Alai (Amirul Khahid of Alafa), who had been on the security watchlist.
Additional recovered items included:
One AK-47 rifle and a magazine
23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
One radio set
A DSHK heavy machine gun barrel
One motorcycle
Assorted medical supplies
The statement added that troops raided Ukuba Forest, where they recovered an assortment of weapons, including:
Two General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG)
A Mowag armored tank engine
A heavy-duty vehicle engine block with components
One QJC W85 anti-aircraft gun
Three light machine guns
One M60 machine gun
Two RPG launcher tubes
One HK21 machine gun
One fabricated 60mm mortar tube
Three Improvised Explosive Device (IED) cylinders
Further Operations in Gwoza, Chibok, and Katsina
The Army said troops deployed in Gwoza Local Government Area intercepted insurgents fleeing Sambisa Forest, forcing them to abandon weapons. A search of Gobara village led to the recovery of:
57 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition
30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
Three AK-47 rifle magazines
A locally fabricated dane gun
Two prototype firearms suspected to be used for terrorist training
The Army also said troops raided a known kidnappers’ hideout in Shirkaki village, Chibok Local Government Area, arresting a prime suspect and recovering:
Two AK-47 rifles and two magazines
One pump-action shotgun
Four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
Six cartridges
In Katsina State, the Army said troops repelled a terrorist attack in Unguwan Baki village, Faskari Local Government Area, forcing insurgents to flee.
The statement added that a high-ranking terrorist commander in Jibia Local Government Area voluntarily surrendered, handing over two AK-47 rifles and releasing 10 captives, including seven women and three children.
Military Advances in Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara States
Troops deployed to Zamfara State engaged insurgents, neutralizing one and recovering two motorcycles.
In Niger State, the Army said troops fought insurgents in Dakwala and Chikuba forests, forcing them to retreat. A clearance operation led to the recovery of 36 abandoned motorcycles and the destruction of terrorist hideouts.
The statement further said troops raided a kidnappers’ camp in Karunji village, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, leading to the rescue of captives and the recovery of:
A locally made pistol
Six dane guns
Three motorcycles
High-Profile Arrest in Delta State
In Delta State, the Army said troops captured a high-profile IPOB/ESN commander, Ekene Ifeanyi, in Issele Asagba Forest, Oshimili South Local Government Area.
According to the statement, Ifeanyi had been on the security watchlist and was instrumental in establishing IPOB/ESN terrorist cells in the region. He reportedly confessed to his role during interrogation.
Army Chief Commends Troops
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their resilience and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to prioritizing soldiers’ welfare.
“The Nigerian Army remains unyielding in its resolve to eradicate terrorism and criminality across the nation,” Oluyede said.
He assured that troops would continue to pursue insurgents to ensure peace and stability across the country.
