BY PHILIP NWOSU
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, protect law-abiding citizens, and maintain relentless pressure on criminal elements across the country.
The force said it would continue joint operations with other security agencies to ensure lasting peace and stability nationwide.
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Army Spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, in a statement on Sunday, announced a string of operational successes that led to the neutralisation of a notorious terrorist commander, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the recovery of arms and ammunition in recent counter-terrorism and counter-crime operations.
According to Anele, in Borno State, troops of 3 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base Rann Kala, Balge Local Government Area, on 7 August 2025, repelled an attack by fighters of the Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS).
During a follow-up operation at first light, soldiers found the bodies of three terrorists, including the group’s top commander, identified as Amirul Fiya (alias Abu Nazir). Blood trails indicated others fled with gunshot wounds. The troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, an unexploded ordnance, two rocket-propelled grenades, and other items.
On 9 August, troops working with the Civilian Joint Task Force and Hybrid Force recovered another terrorist’s body, alongside one QJC 88-barrel gun, an anti-aircraft gun tripod, 20 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammunition, a backpack, and a bicycle.
In Zamfara State, earlier on 8 August, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 2 acted on credible intelligence to disrupt terrorist activities along the Gusau–Kaura Namoda Road in Unguwar Sariki Musulmi, Kaura Namoda LGA. The operation forced the terrorists to flee and enabled the rescue of two kidnapped victims, who were later reunited with their families.
In the South-East, Anele said troops of 24 Special Engineer Regiment, on 9 August, intervened in a communal clash between Iyimagwu and Ekpomaka communities in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State. The soldiers came under fire from an abandoned building but responded, neutralising one armed criminal. They recovered one G3 rifle, 50 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 16 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and four hand grenades.
The Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations in synergy with other security agencies to ensure peace and security nationwide.
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