Troops Kill ISWAP Terrorists, Arrest 19 Drug Dealers

Nigerian soldiers, in continuation of their fierce onslaught against terrorists and criminal gangs across the country, arrested 19 drug dealers, have rescued 16 kidnap hostages and killed several ISWAP/JAS terrorists in multiple operations.

According to insider sources, among those arrested are terrorists, logistics suppliers, and kidnap kingpins operating at different locations across the country and a large cache of weapons, explosives and logistics was recovered.

In Delta and Bayelsa States, troops apprehended 19 drug dealers with cannabis, tramadol, pentazocine, diazepam and Canadian loud.

The troops also recovered two locally made double-barreled guns and 27 cartridges, and they were in joint operations with the NDLEA.

Troops operating in Borno and Adamawa States intercepted a logistics supplier in Mafa LGA with 23 cans of petrol concealed in a bag. In contrast, Mubi North soldiers halted gasoline and fertiliser smuggling.

Also, troops in Garkida apprehended a terrorist who admitted to past attacks in Damboa, recovered one M70AB2 rifle, four magazines and 150 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

In Zamfara State, troops of 1 Brigade foiled multiple terrorist attempts in Maradun, Tsafe and Anka LGAs, rescued six kidnapped victims and seized motorcycles.

In the same vein, in Kaduna State, troops arrested a notorious kidnap kingpin in Mayir Village, Sanga LGA.

Relatedly, in Benue, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke killed a violent extremist in Katsina-Ala LGA and rescued 10 abducted passengers along the Kyado–Wukari road.

Also in Kwara State, troops rescued three kidnap victims near Eruku Town and recovered a motorcycle. Meanwhile, soldiers in Nasarawa intercepted a drug-laden vehicle and arrested two suspects, including the consignee.

In Imo State, troops arrested two cultists in Mgbidi with a pistol, phones and a motorcycle.

In Anambra, troops also disrupted IPOB/ESN activities in Orumba North, where criminals detonated three IEDs before fleeing.

According to the sources, the troops safely destroyed explosives, wires, cylinders and batteries.

In Rivers and Bayelsa, troops seized over 1,200 litres of illegally refined AGO and crude oil in line with Operation DELTA SAFE directives.

Furthermore, the troops arrested four suspected kidnappers in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State.

“These operations yielded recovery of M70AB2 rifle, four magazines, 150 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, two double-barrel guns, 27 cartridges, one pistol, several motorcycles, IEDs, large consignments of petrol and fertilisers, mobile phones and assorted illicit drugs,”.