Nigerian Army Intensifies Nationwide Offensive: 18 Terrorists Killed, 14 Hostages Rescued in Major Operations

In a significant escalation of counter-insurgency efforts, Nigerian Army troops have conducted coordinated operations across multiple theaters, neutralizing 18 terrorists, rescuing 14 kidnapped civilians, and arresting dozens of suspects in a sweeping 48-hour offensive.

The operations, which spanned from the restive Northeast to the Northwest and other regions, underscore the military's sustained push to dismantle terrorist networks and reclaim territory from armed groups.

Decisive Blow in Borno: 15 ISWAP Fighters Killed, Bomb Vehicles Destroyed

The most consequential engagement occurred in Borno State, the epicenter of the long-running conflict with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'adati wal-Jihad (JAS). On Saturday morning, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, supported by precise air strikes, repelled a major ISWAP/JAS attack around Dutsen Nonu in the Biu Local Government Area.

Military sources confirmed that soldiers neutralized 15 terrorists in the fierce firefight. In a critical success, they also destroyed two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs)—heavily armed trucks used as suicide bombs to breach military defenses—preventing catastrophic damage.

In a related intelligence-driven operation in Maiduguri, troops arrested two suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics suppliers. Items recovered from them, including nails for IED production and terrorist clothing, pointed to their role in sustaining the insurgent network. They have been handed over to military intelligence for further interrogation.

Northwest and Plateau: Containing Violence and Banditry

While the Northeast remains the primary front, troops were simultaneously active in addressing other security threats:

*   Jigawa State: Under *Operation FANSAN Yamma, soldiers intervened to quell a communal clash in the Guri Local Government Area, preventing further bloodshed.

*   Kaduna State: In a collaborative effort, troops and local hunters apprehended a suspected kidnapper in Godogodo village, Jema'a LGA.

*   Plateau State: As part of Operation Peace Shield, troops dislodged violent extremists in the Wase Local Government Area. They recovered 156 livestock (110 cows and 46 sheep), with efforts underway to return them to their rightful owners, a move aimed at addressing the contentious farmer-herder conflicts that often fuel violence.

Cult Crackdown in Edo and Rescues in Taraba

Operations extended beyond the northern conflict zones, demonstrating the army's nationwide mandate:

*   Edo State: In a major crackdown on cult-related violence, troops of the 195 Battalion arrested 33 suspected members of the Aiye confraternity. The suspects were intercepted in three vehicles returning from an alleged initiation ceremony. A significant cache was recovered, including three pump-action guns, ammunition, cutlasses, and 35 mobile phones.

*   Taraba State: Troops of *Operation Whirl Stroke* successfully rescued two kidnap victims in the Kurmi Local Government Area. Reports indicate two additional victims managed to escape their captors during the operation, though efforts continue to rescue others still held.

Broader Security Sweeps: Migration and Logistics

The military's vigilance also covered cross-border and logistical dimensions of insecurity. In Cross River State, troops intercepted 11 undocumented migrants from the Niger Republic, handing them over to immigration authorities. This highlights ongoing concerns about the movement of persons across porous borders in conflict-affected regions.

A Sustained Campaign Amid Complex Challenges

These simultaneous operations reflect the Nigerian Army's "unwavering resolve" to maintain pressure on a complex web of adversaries, from global terrorist franchises like ISWAP to local bandits, kidnappers, and cultists. The use of coordinated ground and air assets, as seen in Borno, points to an evolving tactical approach.

However, the diverse nature of the incidents—from communal clashes to kidnappings and cult arrests—illustrates the multifaceted security crisis Nigeria continues to face. While decisive military action is crucial, these operations are part of a broader, longer-term challenge that requires sustained strategy, intelligence, and integration with non-kinetic efforts to ensure lasting security.

*Source: Naija News, PM News, Channels Television, and Premium Times.*