The Nigerian Army has reported that its troops, in the past 48 hours, have dismantled several terrorist cells, rescued 17 kidnapped victims, and apprehended 20 suspects through intensified operations across the country.

A military source at Army Headquarters confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja, saying the operations were carried out simultaneously across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-South regions.

In the North-East, troops of the 192 Battalion, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralized two terrorists during a fierce encounter with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters at Hudugum village in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State. Three other terrorists—Fannami Ari (aka Abu Dujana), Hussaini Hassan Modu (aka Abu Yusuf), and a trainee—surrendered to troops in Kukawa and Damboa LGAs, citing loss of confidence in their leaders and worsening conditions in their camps.

In the North-West, troops of 1 Brigade foiled two coordinated kidnapping attempts and rescued 11 victims along the Magami–Jan Gemi and Kucheri–Bilbis routes in Zamfara State.

In the North-Central region, troops apprehended 15 criminal suspects and rescued four victims during clearance operations in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States.

In the South-South, the military discovered and dismantled two illegal oil refining camps in Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State, and seized 62 sacks of stolen crude oil in Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Imo State.

The source assured that under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Nigerian Army remains committed to maintaining operational momentum and ensuring peace and stability across the country.