Army soldiers release 40 hostages, neutralize eight terrorists, recover weapons and ammunition

Nigerian Army soldiers rescued 40 hostages, eliminated eight terrorists and recovered arms/ammunition in various operations across the country.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Nigerian Army released on the social media platform on Sunday evening.

It said that in a significant development, troops also detained a notorious weapons courier where a large cache of ammunition was found, dealing a major blow against the proliferation of weapons by criminal elements.

It was gathered that the Nigerian Army personnel, acting on intelligence, intercepted the terrorists and during an exchange of fire, neutralized some of them and recovered 303 live rounds of 7.62mm (Special) concealed in a bag.

“The suspect and the vehicle were immediately detained and further investigations are aimed at arresting his accomplices.

“In another operation in Kaduna State, soldiers carried out precision strikes in forests near Danmari and Saulawa villages in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, where one terrorist was eliminated.

“Additional operations in Ankwa village in Kachia Local Government Area also resulted in the annihilation of two more terrorists and the recovery of locally manufactured firearms, 11 rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition and a motorcycle used by the terrorists.” That said.

“In Borno State, soldiers during an encounter with fleeing terrorists at Faayijiwa Fandanari village in Magumeri Local Government Area recovered two AK-47 rifles, 61 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO), 51 rounds of 7.62mm (Special), hard drugs and various supply. The terrorists abandoned their firearms and ammunition, succumbing to the overwhelming firepower of the soldiers. Further operations in the Gwoza local government area resulted in the neutralization of three terrorists near the village of Ashigashiya, while vigilant troops, responding to credible intelligence information, pursued and intercepted a convoy suspected of transporting logistics for terrorists in Gubio. Three vehicles loaded with food intended for terrorist camps were seized and the sum of N2,400 was recovered.” The statement further added

“Efforts in Kukawa Local Government Area resulted in another victory when soldiers, acting on intelligence, intercepted terrorists attempting to relocate abducted victims from Cijin village. The terrorists fled upon seeing the soldiers, abandoning 38 hostages, including 6 men, 8 women and 24 children, whom the soldiers safely rescued.

“Meanwhile, in Yobe State, soldiers, in response to reports of terrorists extorting civilians, staged a successful ambush in Sasawa village in Damaturu Local Government Area.

“The soldiers neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK-47 rifle along with a motorcycle.” That said

The Chief of Army Staff praised the soldiers for their courage and constant fight for peace.

He also expressed gratitude to citizens whose continuous provision of credible information played a key role in these successes.

“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its mission to destroy terrorism and protect the lives of all Nigerians.” That said