Military forces have achieved further victories in eliminating and capturing terrorists through various operations nationwide. A reliable source from Army Headquarters informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that some abducted individuals and a stash of weapons were also seized during these operations. The source reported that numerous terrorists have been killed and arrested from July 23 to August. In Borno, sources report that the troops of the 2181 Brigade Garrison clashed with ISWAP militants at Kekeno in the Kukawa Local Government Area, compelling the insurgents to retreat after intense gunfire. They managed to recover 67 rounds of 7.62mm Special, 81 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm linked ammunition, and 21 rounds of 37.62mm ammunition during their pursuit. Additionally, a hand grenade and an improvised explosive device (IED) found along the Monguno–Kekeno route were safely detonated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.
In Taraba, a joint operation involving Sector 3 of Operation WHIRL STROKE and the Department of State Services (DSS) led to the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Wukari. Recovered items included 362 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm NATO, a motorcycle, three mobile phones, and ₦842,100 in cash.
Furthermore, troops from the 63 Brigade Garrison, along with the Nigerian Police, rescued three kidnapping victims—two female students and an adult male—near Otulu Forest in the Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta. During the operation, one kidnapper was neutralized, and they recovered one AK-47 magazine with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, five mobile phones, four school bags, and ₦3.6 million in cash. The rescued individuals were provided with medical care.
In a different operation, troops from the 323 Artillery Regiment in Ondo State apprehended a suspected criminal on the Ikare-Ekiti Road, who was found with a dane gun, machete, and black mask; this suspect has been turned over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
Additionally, in Ughelli South of Delta, the troops of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, collaborating with Tantita Security Operatives, detained a suspect involved in illegal oil bunkering, who was in possession of three sacks filled with unlawfully refined petroleum products. “The apprehension and materials were handled according to the protocols of Operation DELTA SAFE,” he mentioned. A military source noted that the synchronized operations highlighted the Nigerian army’s commitment to protecting the country’s territorial integrity and reinstating peace nationwide.
