NIGERIAN TROOPS KILL 27 TERRORISTS, RESCUE HOSTAGES IN MAJOR NATIONWIDE SECURITY OPERATIONS

NIGERIAN TROOPS KILL 27 TERRORISTS, RESCUE HOSTAGES IN MAJOR NATIONWIDE SECURITY OPERATIONS

The Nigerian military has recorded significant operational successes across multiple parts of the country after troops neutralised 27 suspected terrorists, arrested 10 criminal suspects, rescued eight kidnapped victims, and recovered weapons, stolen vehicles, ammunition, and other logistics during coordinated security operations conducted within the last 48 hours.

The latest security operations, carried out through combined intelligence-driven ground and air offensives, covered several states including Borno, Plateau, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in what authorities described as sustained efforts to weaken terrorist and criminal networks operating nationwide.

In the North-East region, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai launched precision airstrikes targeting suspected terrorist enclaves in the Tumbuns area of Borno State. According to military sources, battle damage assessments and intelligence reports confirmed that 27 insurgents were neutralised during the operations.

The military disclosed that 12 suspected terrorists were killed during an aerial strike carried out in Dawoshe community located in Kukawa Local Government Area, while another 15 insurgents were eliminated during a separate operation in Metele, located within Guzamala Local Government Area.

Ground troops operating in Borno State also arrested a suspected terrorist along the Mandara Girau-Sabon Gari axis in Biu Local Government Area. Security operatives recovered several items believed to be supplies intended for insurgent groups, including food items, communication gadgets, batteries, herbicides, and blankets.

In a separate operation near Kareto, security personnel successfully foiled an attempted kidnapping operation and rescued six civilians made up of three men and three women. The victims were reportedly rescued without sustaining injuries.

In Plateau State, troops under Operation Enduring Peace arrested a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler during a security raid in Bokkos Local Government Area. Recovered items from the suspect included ammunition, an AK-47 rifle magazine, a laptop computer, mobile phone, and military-style clothing.

Security operatives also carried out another operation in Jos South Local Government Area where four additional suspects were arrested while allegedly in possession of a locally fabricated pistol and live ammunition.

In Nasarawa State, troops rescued two kidnapped victims after suspected abductors fled upon sighting advancing military personnel. Intelligence gathered during follow-up operations led security forces to a criminal hideout where operatives recovered a locally fabricated firearm, live cartridges, communication devices, foreign and local currencies, alongside ₦1.8 million suspected to be proceeds linked to criminal activities.

In the Federal Capital Territory, troops acting on intelligence intercepted two suspected car theft suspects along the Abuja-Lokoja Highway. Authorities recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz E350 vehicle, while preliminary investigations reportedly showed the suspects had forcefully taken the vehicle in Abuja and were transporting it out of the city for illegal sale.

Meanwhile, in the South-South region, troops involved in anti-crude oil theft operations in Akwa Ibom State recovered approximately 325 litres of suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil concealed in sacks within a bush area in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. The recovered petroleum products have since been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.

Military authorities said the successful operations reflect the effectiveness of intelligence-led joint security efforts currently being deployed against terrorism, kidnapping, crude oil theft, and other forms of criminality across Nigeria.

Security agencies also urged members of the public to continue supporting ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information, noting that public cooperation remains critical to achieving lasting peace and strengthening national security across the country.