The Nigerian Army says it has recorded another major breakthrough in its nationwide campaign against terrorists and other armed groups.

In a series of coordinated ground and joint operations, troops neutralised nine terrorists across Borno, Ekiti, Kogi, and Delta States. Five of those killed were members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad (JAS), a Boko Haram splinter faction.

Another online media – The Nation – claims a military source told it that the operations took place between October 2 and 6, with troops recovering several weapons, ammunition, and logistics items from the criminals.

According to the source, “151 Task Force Battalion ambushed ISWAP/JAS terrorists at Dipchari in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, and in the firefight that followed, five terrorists were killed.”

In another battle, troops of the 148 Battalion operating around Iyemero on the Ekiti–Kogi border “neutralised two insurgents and recovered two new AK-47 rifles.”

Meanwhile, 3 Battalion repelled a large-scale assault on its base, “inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers, with one confirmed killed and several others escaping with gunshot wounds.”

Arrests and Rescues Across States

Troops also arrested eight criminal suspects for offences including terrorism, kidnapping, and illegal arms possession in Borno, Katsina, Imo, and Plateau States.

Among those arrested were “an ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno, a suspected terrorist collaborator in Kukawa, a wanted IPOB/ESN kingpin in Imo State, and a suspected gunrunner in Plateau State,” the source said.

The military further rescued 37 kidnap victims in ongoing clearance missions across Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, Delta, and Kebbi States.

“Notably, 28 locals were freed in Sakaba, Kebbi State, including a pregnant woman who gave birth during the rescue,” the source added.

In separate missions, troops rescued seven kidnapped civilians in Kaduna and Delta States, while two others were freed in Mangu, Plateau State.

Crude Theft and Illegal Arms

In the South South, troops intensified operations against oil theft and smuggling. Combined forces from 34 Artillery Brigade and Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered several illegal refining camps in Imo State.

Over 20,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products were destroyed on site. Troops also recovered a cache of weapons — one dane gun, a fabricated pistol, three AK-47 magazines, 12 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 93 belted rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and several motorcycles used for criminal activities.

The military credited the continued success to the cooperation of sister agencies, local vigilantes, and community intelligence.

“The Army remains committed to creating a safer environment that will boost economic and agricultural activities in line with the Federal Government’s drive for food security,” the source said.