The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational breakthroughs within the last 24 hours, arresting a notorious IPOB/ESN commander, rescuing 12 kidnap victims, and neutralising several terrorists across different theatres of operation.

A top military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that the coordinated operations were carried out in synergy with sister services and other security agencies.

In Imo State, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade stormed a hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area, where they apprehended a notorious IPOB/ESN kingpin. The raid led to the recovery of an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, a cartridge, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, and a German flag. A workshop where stolen vehicles were dismantled for resale was also uncovered, while 10 motorcycles were destroyed on-site.

On anti-kidnap missions, troops rescued five victims in Madagali (Adamawa), another five in Kukasheka Ward, Malumfashi (Katsina), and two in Lokoja (Kogi State).

Elsewhere, soldiers neutralised two terrorists in Katsina, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle. One violent extremist was also eliminated in Benue, with a mobile phone and charms seized.

Troops further arrested 11 suspects across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna for armed robbery, gun-running, and extremist activities. In Plateau, 40 rustled cattle were recovered and returned to their rightful owners.

The source stressed that the successes were made possible by sustained inter-agency collaboration, noting that the Army remains committed to creating a secure environment for farming and socio-economic growth in line with the Federal Government’s food security agenda.