By Aaior K. Comfort

Troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified their offensive against terrorist groups, killing several high-profile fighters and recovering dangerous weapons, including rocket bombs, in Borno State.

The army announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the operation, carried out on September 29, 2024, in the Ajiri and Mastari villages of Bama Local Government Area, further crippled the operational capacity of Boko Haram and ISWAP militants. Leveraging superior firepower, the troops neutralized four notorious fighters. During a sweep of the area, they uncovered two Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, two AK-47 magazines, 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62x54mm Light Machine Gun ammunition, and a Light Machine Gun barrel.

In another encounter at Banki Junction, within the same region, the troops eliminated another terrorist.

In a separate operation in Plateau State, troops of Operation Save Haven apprehended two notorious kidnappers, Isah Abdullahi and Mujahid Musa, in the Panyam forested mountains. Initial investigations revealed their involvement in multiple violent attacks in Mangu Local Government Area. Troops also captured a notorious arms dealer, Kabiru Zaki, in Jos South, and arrested another suspect linked to a recent murder in Brazongo, Bassa Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, troops in the South East engaged fighters of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Ihiala, Anambra State. After attempting to ambush the troops with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), the militants retreated, abandoning a Closed Circuit Camera and IED components.

Additionally, a rescue mission was carried out along the Gurbi-Jibia road in Katsina State, where troops thwarted a kidnapping attempt and rescued four injured victims, who were immediately evacuated for medical attention.