Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism with the elimination of a notorious terrorist kingpin, Mai Dada, during a fierce counterattack in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism with the elimination of a notorious terrorist kingpin, Mai Dada, during a fierce counterattack in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to credible military sources, the operation, which took place between June 25 and 26, also led to the arrest of several suspects believed to be part of the terrorist network.
In a series of coordinated operations across the country, troops achieved significant successes. In Kaduna State, soldiers of the 2 Battalion, while on escort duty in Birnin Gwari, engaged armed men fleeing on motorcycles, recovering an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
“Troops also arrested several suspects with over 1,000 arms and ammunition in various operations nationwide,” the source revealed.
In the North East, troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, while conducting a perimeter patrol in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, recovered a cache of arms along a known ISWAP/JAS withdrawal route. Items recovered included 408 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 1,200 rounds of 7.62mm, and two 40mm RPG bombs.
Similarly, troops of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade neutralised three terrorists during a raid in Bama LGA, recovering a Dane gun and destroying terrorist logistics and shelter infrastructure.
In Monguno, another operation led to the interception of a vehicle transporting logistics suspected to be intended for terrorists. One suspect was arrested, and the items recovered included 65 litres of PMS, four bags of rice, five bags of groundnuts, four bags of NPK fertilizer, tubers of yam, seven motorcycle headlights, 10 solar lights, 2,000 empty cement bags, four solar panels, and a mobile phone.
In the North Central region, troops of Operation Safe Haven carried out offensive operations in several communities including Tangur, Kwakas, Horop, Tulus, Jinak, and Hokk in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. With the aid of UAV surveillance, troops recovered a Dane gun abandoned by fleeing criminals.
“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke also rescued five passengers and recovered a vehicle along the Peykia–Wukari road in Ukum LGA of Benue State,” the source added.
Elsewhere, troops of the 5 Battalion deployed in Otueke, Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State, arrested two suspects found with two locally fabricated pistols and one round of 9mm ammunition. In Etsako Central LGA of Edo State, a criminal suspect was apprehended with a pump-action shotgun and cutlasses.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring peace and stability across the country. Troops continue to register notable operational victories in the ongoing war against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal threats.