Troops of the Nigerian Army have freed 40 hostages, eliminated eight terrorists and recovered arms/ammunition in different operations across the country.

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

It said in a significant development, troops also apprehended a notorious arms courier found with a large cache of ammunition, striking a major blow against arms proliferation by criminal elements.

It said Nigerian Army personnel, while acting on intelligence, intercepted terrorists and during an exchange of gunfire neutralized several of them and recovered 303 live rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition concealed in a bag.

“The suspect and the vehicle were immediately taken into custody and further investigations are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices.

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

” Additional engagements in Ankwa village of Kachia Local Government Area also led to the annihilation of two more terrorists and the recovery of a locally made firearm, 11 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, and a motorcycle used by the terrorists.” It said.

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

“The efforts in Kukawa Local Government Area yielded another victory as troops, acting on intelligence, intercepted terrorists attempting to relocate abducted victims from Cijin village. The terrorists fled upon sighting the troops, abandoning 38 hostages, including 6 men, 8 women, and 24 children, who were safely rescued by the troops.

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

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

The Chief of Army Staff has commended the troops for their bravery and relentless fight for peace.

He also expressed gratitude to the citizens whose continuous provision of credible information has been instrumental in these successes.

“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its mission to obliterate terrorism and safeguard the lives of all Nigerians.” It said