Troops Kill ISWAP Terrorists, Arrest 19 Suspected Drug Dealers

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

According to sources, among those arrested were terrorist logistics suppliers and kidnap kingpins operating at different locations across the country.

Troops also recovered large cache of weapons, explosives and logistics in the operations.

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-barrel guns, 27 cartridges in joint operations with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Troops, operating in Borno and Adamawa States intercepted logistics supplier in Mafa local government area with 23 cans of petrol concealed in a bag, while personnel in Mubi North stopped smuggling of petrol and fertilizer.

In Garkida, troops 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 of Sanga local government area.

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, three kidnap victims were rescued near Eruku Town and recovered a motorcycle.

Meanwhile, troops 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, IPOB/ESN activities in Orumba North were disrupted, 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 nabbed four suspected kidnappers in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State.