In a renewed effort to combat terrorism and restore peace in the northern regions, the Nigerian Army has successfully neutralized 92 terrorists and arrested 111 suspects in its latest military operations. The offensive, which took place over the past week, targeted terrorist enclaves across Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, and Kaduna states.
According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army’s Director of Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the operations were part of the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Whirl Punch. The coordinated military strikes aimed to dislodge insurgents and criminal elements terrorizing communities in the affected regions.
Major General Nwachukwu revealed that the military carried out several air and ground offensives on suspected hideouts of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State. The operations resulted in the death of 54 terrorists, while several others sustained injuries and fled the area.
“In line with the directives of the Chief of Army Staff, the troops intensified clearance operations in various flashpoints, including Sambisa Forest, Lake Chad region, and the Mandara Mountains. These operations have significantly degraded the operational capabilities of the terrorists,” Nwachukwu stated.
In Zamfara and Kaduna states, the military’s efforts were focused on dismantling bandit camps and freeing kidnapped victims. During the operations, 38 bandits were neutralized, while 78 suspects linked to criminal activities were apprehended. The Nigerian Army also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and thousands of rounds of live ammunition.
The statement further disclosed that 33 hostages, including women and children, were rescued from captivity. The victims were handed over to the appropriate authorities for rehabilitation and reunification with their families.
One of the major highlights of the offensive was the arrest of 111 suspects, including logistics suppliers, informants, and suspected collaborators of terrorist groups. Intelligence gathered from the suspects is expected to aid in further military operations and the dismantling of terrorist networks.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of citizens. Major General Nwachukwu commended the bravery and dedication of the troops, urging them to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
He also called on residents of affected communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in identifying criminal elements.
In response to the military’s success, several community leaders and civil society organizations have expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army. Alhaji Musa Ibrahim, a community leader in Borno State, praised the military for its relentless efforts in restoring peace to the region.
“We are beginning to see positive changes. The constant attacks on our villages have reduced, and many of our people are returning to their homes. We urge the government to continue supporting the security forces to completely eradicate these terrorists,” Ibrahim said.
Despite the significant gains, security experts have advised the government to adopt a multi-faceted approach that includes military action, community engagement, and socioeconomic development to address the root causes of terrorism and banditry.
The Nigerian Army reiterated that it remains resolute in its mission to eliminate all forms of terrorism and criminality in the country. Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The latest military offensive comes amid increasing pressure on the government to end the decade-long insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions in northern Nigeria. With the recent successes, there is renewed hope that peace and stability will be restored in the region.
