Nigerian troops have foiled a kidnap attempt, killed 12 terrorists, arrested suspected collaborators and recovered 178 livestock in a series of coordinated security operations across the country.
An operational report released on Thursday said the successes were recorded by troops deployed under various military operations in the North-East, North-Central and South-South regions.
In Borno State, troops of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by local vigilantes, thwarted an attempted abduction at Mirnga village in Biu Local Government Area after engaging the terrorists in a gun battle.
The attackers were forced to flee but set the victim’s vehicle ablaze before escaping.
The report also disclosed that troops arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier at Gwalaram village in Magumeri Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect allegedly supplied food and other items to terrorists and provided intelligence on troop movements.
Recovered from him were assorted food items, a mobile phone and N32,780.
In neighbouring Adamawa State, troops apprehended a suspected ISWAP/JAS informant at Dzangola Kilba in Hong Local Government Area.
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team also safely detonated two primed hand grenades discovered in Larh Forest, averting a potential explosion.
The military said the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI carried out a precision airstrike on a terrorist enclave at Chiralia in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing 12 terrorists and destroying their structures.
As part of efforts to encourage insurgents to surrender, the military also dropped about 10,000 leaflets over locations within the Timbuktu Triangle in Borno State as part of its non-kinetic operations.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN responded to intelligence on the activities of armed herders at Tongorong in Riyom Local Government Area.
The suspects fled on sighting the troops, abandoning 178 livestock, which were taken into military custody.
Meanwhile, in Rivers State, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered a 110-metre illegal pipeline during an anti-crude oil theft operation in Okarki Forest, Ahoada East Local Government Area.
According to the report, the illegal facility was dismantled in line with standard operational procedures.
The military said the operations form part of ongoing nationwide efforts to degrade terrorist networks, combat kidnapping, curb crude oil theft and improve security across the country.
