Nigerian Army Neutralizes Terrorists and Rescues 115 Rustled Animals in Fierce Coordinated Raids Across Northern States

The Nigerian Army has intensified its nationwide offensive against insurgent groups, reporting the neutralization of several terrorists and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and stolen livestock in a series of daring operations.

Military headquarters confirmed that the “no-retreat” mandate issued for the festive season is yielding major tactical gains. The operations, which spanned from the dense forests of the Northwest to the border communities of North-Central Nigeria, targeted the logistics and movement corridors used by bandits and extremist factions.

In Zamfara State, troops of the 1 Brigade Combat Team 3, operating under the banner of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, successfully ambushed a group of terrorists at a notorious crossing point near Magami village. According to a credible Army source, two terrorists were confirmed dead at the scene. Recovered items included two AK-47 magazines loaded with 39 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a belt of 54 rounds of heavy ammunition.

The offensive extended into Kebbi State, where troops at Kangiwa forced a band of criminals to abandon their motorcycles and a loaded AK-47 rifle during a high-speed fighting patrol.

A major highlight of the week’s success occurred in Katsina State. In the early hours of Friday, troops of the 17 Brigade foiled a large-scale livestock rustling attempt. After a heavy exchange of fire that sent the terrorists retreating into the forest, the Army recovered 51 cows, 63 sheep, and a donkey. The animals were formally handed over to the Chairman of Malumfashi Local Government Area to be returned to their rightful owners, dealing a sharp blow to the bandits’ “war economy.”

“Our troops have remained resolute,” the Army source noted. “The message to these elements is clear: there is no safe haven. We are denying them freedom of action in every theatre.”

In the North-Central, the Army’s intelligence-led approach led to the arrest of a major gunrunner in Omala, Kogi State. The suspect, who had been on the radar of the DSS for weeks, was allegedly the primary supplier of weapons to criminal gangs in the Loko region. This arrest is expected to lead to the discovery of more illegal armories in the neighboring Nasarawa State.

These ground victories, coupled with the ongoing aerial surveillance following the Christmas Day strikes in Sokoto, have significantly boosted local confidence in the military’s ability to stabilize the region as the nation prepares to enter the New Year.