By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has delivered a decisive blow to criminal networks across the country, neutralizing six terrorists, arresting 110 suspects, rescuing four kidnapped victims, and recovering arms, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and over 1,600 litres of illicit petroleum products during coordinated operations within a 24-hour period.
In Kwara State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team, recovered two IEDs along the Kaiama–Woro Road, enhancing safety along critical transit routes. Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory, soldiers of 176 Guards Battalion raided an illegal mining site in Gwagwalada, arresting 98 illegal miners and seizing one vehicle, eight motorcycles, and mining equipment including pumps, shovels, diggers, and mats, effectively dismantling an illicit mining operation.
Operations in Kogi State recorded significant achievements, including the rescue of two kidnapped victims along the Adankolo–Mosalaci Boka Road. In a separate encounter in Lokoja Local Government Area, troops ambushed terrorists, neutralizing three, and recovered two AK-47 magazines, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two motorcycles.
In Plateau State, the Army apprehended a notorious terrorist in Jos East LGA, foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Rafin Sanyi–Hawan Kibo axis, and rescued one additional victim. Further enforcement activities led to the arrest of two drug traffickers with recovery of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, mobile phones, an Opay ATM card, and cash.
Northern operations remained robust, with troops in Borno State ensuring the safe return of ten escaped abductees, including three adult females and seven minors, from terrorist enclaves. In Zamfara State, soldiers neutralized three terrorists in ambush operations and recovered two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, ammunition, communication equipment, mobile phones, and a motorcycle. Similarly, two suspected terrorists were arrested in Benue State during intelligence-led clearance operations.
Economic sabotage was also targeted. In Yobe State, troops intercepted a vehicle transporting seven sacks of Premium Motor Spirit (approx. 539 litres), arrested four suspects, and recovered ₦1.6 million. In Adamawa State, eleven jerrycans of PMS, empty containers, motorcycles, and a vehicle carrying 155 empty jerrycans were seized, leading to the closure of two illicit filling stations. Rivers State witnessed the dismantling of an illegal refining site, with recovery of AGO, a drum oven, galvanized pipes, and other materials, while another interception seized 1,500 litres of AGO with three suspects arrested.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. These coordinated operations underscore the Army’s dominance across all theatres and its relentless pursuit of terrorists, criminals, and economic saboteurs, sending a clear message to all adversaries: there is no safe haven for enemies of the state.
