Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation Hadin Kai on Monday arrested a suspected foreign terrorist attempting to breach a security perimeter in Yobe State. On the same day, the military also intercepted two suspected gunrunners in Ondo State who were allegedly sent by an inmate of the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos to procure arms for bandits operating in Zamfara State.
The coordinated operations across several states yielded significant results, including the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of suspects, and recovery of weapons and stolen livestock.
A credible source disclosed that the suspected terrorist, who hails from Niger Republic and was unable to speak any Nigerian language, is currently under investigation for possible transnational terrorist affiliations. The arrest was made by troops of the 120 Task Force Battalion in Katarko, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
In Borno State, troops of the 202 Battalion stationed in Bama received an adult female and a child—both relatives of terrorists—who voluntarily surrendered after escaping from the Churchur axis. The development was described by a military source as evidence of the increasing pressure on insurgent strongholds.
Meanwhile, troops of the 8 Division Garrison in Sokoto engaged in a fierce gun battle with armed elements in Tsamaye and Mai Lalle, Sabon Birni Local Government Area, killing two and recovering three AK-47 rifles and a motorcycle.
In Kebbi State, troops of the 1 Battalion Rear thwarted a cattle rustling attempt in Sauna Village, Argungu LGA. The rustlers abandoned 251 cows during the operation, and the recovered livestock was returned to their rightful owners.
The suspected gunrunners intercepted in Ondo were arrested by troops of the 323 Artillery Regiment in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore LGA. The suspects reportedly acted under the direction of the Lagos prison inmate, who coordinated the arms purchase to support bandit operations in Zamfara.
In a related operation in Delta State, troops discovered a tricycle loaded with approximately 200 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel along the Jeddo–Omadino axis in Warri South LGA.
Additionally, a clearance mission in Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA of Delta State, led to the arrest of seven suspects believed to be linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN). Recovered items included a motorcycle, four mobile phones, and other logistics materials.
The source reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to internal security and public order, adding that the tempo of military operations would be sustained.