The Nigerian Army says it has recorded significant operational success in its ongoing fight against terrorism, neutralising several bandit leaders and recovering arms in Talata-Mafara and Kaura-Namoda Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Suleiman Omale, who stated this in a statement said the feat was achieved by the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, under the command of Brigadier General Timothy Opurum.
It said the bandits who had been attacking locals and setting houses on fire were engaged in a fierce gun battle by the troops, successfully neutralising several terrorists, including five notorious bandit leaders: Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza.
The statement explained that the 1 Brigade Quick Response Force and the 1 Brigade Special Forces pursued recovered 4 AK-47 rifles, 1 PKT machine gun, 2 RPG tubes, and 6 RPG bombs among others.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrest of four security personnel aiding terrorist operations in the North-East.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, in a statement said the suspects include two personnel from the hybrid forces who had been working alongside troops to combat the insurgency.
It said the hybrid forces personnel were arrested during operations from April 26 to 29 across Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali LGAs.
The statement noted that the suspects were part of the four terrorist logistics suppliers arrested by the troops.
Kangye expressed concern over the betrayal and warned commanders to sensitise their personnel against acts that could sabotage ongoing military efforts.
The DHQ added that in another operation, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces, carried out offensive operations in Gwoza, Dikwa, Bama, Chibok, Gujba, Geidam, and Yunusari Local Government Areas, where several terrorists were nuetralised, six kidnapped victims were rescued, and caches of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and bicycles were recovered.