Nigerian Army Troops Kill 8 Terrorists and Rescue 40 Hostages

In a determined effort to combat terrorism, the Nigerian Army has successfully neutralized eight terrorists and rescued 40 abducted individuals during coordinated operations across multiple states.

In a statement on Monday, September 30, 2024, the Army highlighted that these recent achievements have tightened the grip on unrepentant terrorists and their collaborators.

Significantly, troops apprehended a notorious arms courier found with a large cache of ammunition, delivering a major blow to arms proliferation by criminal elements.

On September 28, acting on credible intelligence, Nigerian Army troops in Nasarawa State conducted a stop-and-search operation along the Lafia-Keffi Road, leading to the arrest of a firearms courier and the recovery of 303 live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition concealed in a bag.

The suspect and the vehicle were taken into custody, with further investigations ongoing.

Additionally, troops executed precision strikes in the forests near Danmari and Saulawa villages in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, eliminating one terrorist.

In Ankwa village of Kachia Local Government Area, two more terrorists were neutralized, and a locally made firearm, 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a motorcycle used by the terrorists were recovered.

In Borno State, during an encounter with fleeing terrorists at Faayijiwa Fandanari village in Magumeri Local Government Area, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, 61 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 51 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, hard drugs, and various supplies.

The terrorists abandoned their weapons after being overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower.

Further operations in Gwoza Local Government Area resulted in the neutralization of three terrorists near Ashigashiya village.

Troops also intercepted a convoy suspected of transporting supplies to terrorists at Gubio, seizing three vehicles loaded with food intended for terrorist camps and recovering N2,400.

In Kukawa Local Government Area, troops acting on intelligence intercepted terrorists trying to relocate abducted victims from Cijin village.

The terrorists fled upon sighting the troops, leaving behind 38 hostages—6 men, 8 women, and 24 children—who were safely rescued.

Meanwhile, in Yobe State, troops ambushed terrorists extorting civilians in Sasawa village, neutralizing one terrorist and recovering an AK-47 rifle along with a motorcycle.

The Chief of Army Staff commended the troops for their bravery and relentless pursuit of peace, expressing gratitude to citizens for their ongoing provision of credible information that has been vital to these successes.

“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its mission to obliterate terrorism and safeguard the lives of all Nigerians,” the statement added.