Nigerian Army troops have successfully neutralized a notorious terrorist and arrested 22 suspected collaborators involved in cattle rustling and terrorism in separate operations across Kaduna, Plateau, Borno, and other states.
The military also recovered 150 rustled cows, firearms, motorcycles, and other illicit materials.
In a statement released on Friday via its official social media channels, the Nigerian Army detailed the series of operations conducted on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Acting on actionable intelligence, troops engaged fleeing terrorists under the cover of darkness near Gayam Village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“During the encounter, one notorious terrorist was killed, while others fled, abandoning their weapons,” the statement confirmed.
Weapons and Evidence Recovered
The search of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine containing three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two motorcycles, and a mobile phone.
According to the Army, these materials were left behind by the terrorists as they fled in panic.
In another operation in Kaduna, troops laid an ambush along the Karau Karau-Galadimawa road based on credible intelligence regarding cattle rustling activities.
Eighteen suspects were arrested in connection with the transport of 150 rustled cattle in four trucks. Investigations revealed disturbing evidence, including 10 mobile phones containing videos of terrorists receiving training and the sum of N215,550 in cash.
More Operations Across States
In Plateau State, troops intercepted four suspects transporting three rustled cows in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. Further military action in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State led to the arrest of two individuals at a private clinic, believed to be terrorists from the gang of the late Kachalla Tukur Sharme.
“The suspects confessed to receiving gunshot wounds during an earlier clash with Nigerian troops,” the statement added.
Borno State Raids
Meanwhile, in Borno State, Nigerian soldiers conducted a successful raid on a terrorist hideout in the Churchur area of Bama Local Government Area, eliminating one terrorist and rescuing a kidnap victim.
Troops also intercepted a vehicle along the Bama-Maiduguri road containing 82 empty cases of 7.62mm ammunition, along with other ammunition casings and 27 rolls of copper wire.
In a related development, eight terrorists, along with their families, voluntarily surrendered to military forces stationed in Bama, adding to the growing number of insurgents laying down their arms.
Operations in Rivers, Enugu, and Benue States
The Army’s reach extended to Rivers State, where troops intercepted a suspected kidnapper at the Cool Beach Jetty in Bonny Local Government Area.
The individual was found in possession of a pistol loaded with 9mm ammunition and a packet of substances suspected to be cannabis.
In Enugu State, military personnel, acting on intelligence reports, arrested three suspected criminals hiding under a bridge in the Abakpa area.
Items recovered from the suspects included 12 mobile phones, three cutlasses, four power banks, a shisha pot, a cocaine inhaler, and other illicit materials.
Additionally, in Benue State, troops swiftly responded to a terrorist attack targeting Nigerian Police personnel at Sankara Chito Junction in Ukum Local Government Area.
The terrorists, faced with superior firepower, fled, leaving behind a Light Machine Gun, 100 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and two motorcycles.
