Troops have continued to frustrate terrorists’ attempts in the North East, repelling coordinated attacks on troops and civilians in spite of explosives ambushes and other environmental challenges.
A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops had relentlessly sustained operational tempo in the theatre, denying terrorists freedom of action.
In Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno, the source said the troops of 192 Battalion foiled an ISWAP ambush on commuters near Uvaha village between Sunday and Monday.
He said that reinforcements from 26 Brigade and a quick response force repelled the attack.
According to him, the terrorists withdrew in disarray towards the Mandara mountains but were pursued by troops, who were impeded by heavy rainfall and difficult terrain that limited exploitation operations.
In Damboa Local Government, he said the troops at Forward Operating Base Azir faced a determined ISWAP assault, repelled the attackers and pursued them for five kilometres.
According to him, troops captured weapons including three AK-47 rifles, explosives and narcotics.
Troops confirmed traces of blood on the withdrawal route, suggesting unconfirmed terrorist casualties.
“Additional troops and equipment were deployed to reinforce the Azir base after the clash.
“In Biu Local Government, ISWAP fighters attacked Kurnari village but were repelled by troops and the Civilian Joint Task Force, capturing PKT belts, RPG bombs and rifle magazines,” he said.
The source said that troops had continued to dismantle hidden networks, apprehending terrorist informants, impostors in naval uniforms and cult-linked gunmen in operations across Kaduna, Plateau and Bayelsa states.
According to him, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA arrested two suspected terrorist informants in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna, acting on intelligence provided by the Department of State Services.
He said the suspects were believed to have facilitated multiple kidnapping incidents in the area, adding that the suspects had been transferred to military intelligence units for further investigation and prosecution.
The source said that troops also intercepted two men travelling from Jigawa to Lagos in possession of naval uniforms, ID photocopies, desert boots and kits, suspected of impersonation.
“Elsewhere in Plateau, troops arrested an armed suspect linked to sporadic attacks around Enzom mining site in Barkin Ladi Local Government. Three motorcycles and cattle were seized in the raid.
“In Bayelsa State, troops detained a suspected Iceland confraternity member in Yenagoa found with a 9mm round allegedly being sold to criminal buyers,” he said.
He stressed that improved synergy with security agencies and regional partners was helping to tackle insecurity more effectively across land, sea and border communities.
The source said the incidents showed the resilience of frontline troops operating under harsh conditions, reiterating its determination to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North East.
He reiterated the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to continue to boost morale of the troops by ensuring adequate welfare and equipment.
