Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed eight terrorists, rescued 30 kidnap victims and recovered several weapons in operations across the country.

The military operational update made available on Wednesday, said the operations were conducted between August 31 and September 1 across theatres.

The report said the troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, neutralised a terrorist after fighting through an ambush involving a concealed improvised explosive device in Borno.

It added that troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and an IED initiator during the encounter at Miyanti-Banki Junction, Bama Local Government Area (LGA).

According to the report, the engagement, however, resulted in the death of one soldier, while another sustained injuries and a military gun truck was damaged.

“In Yobe, troops of 120 Task Force Battalion, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised another terrorist at Lamusuri, Gujba Local Government Area.

“The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a body pouch after the encounter.

“The military also recorded aerial success in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno, where an air strike neutralised three terrorists and destroyed structures used as hideouts,” he said.

The report also revealed that troops of the 211 Demonstration Battalion, Operation MESA, neutralised two terrorists and rescued nine kidnapped victims from Makodi Gwamnare Forest in Ningi LGA of Bauchi State.

It added that troops recovered eight mobile phones and N1.48 million from the terrorists, while the rescued victims were reunited with their families.

In Kogi, the military said the troops of 21 Battalion, working with the police, State Security Service and local hunters, rescued 21 victims abandoned by fleeing kidnappers.

It said the victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from Egume-Ochaja Forest in Dekina LGA.

According to the report, one male victim who sustained a gunshot wound during the operation was stabilised at a military medical facility.

“In Katsina, troops of 17 Brigade and an Office of the National Security Adviser tactical team neutralised two terrorists and destroyed two motorcycles during a fighting patrol in Kogo Village, Matazu LGA. In Zamfara, troops responding to intelligence on cattle rustling were ambushed at Bude Village, Bungudu Local Government Area, but fought through and forced the terrorists to abandon the rustled cattle.

“In Plateau, troops arrested four suspected criminals and recovered a locally fabricated firearm, three motorcycles, a cutlass and a knife at Exland Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. In Delta, troops intercepted a trailer conveying illegally mined ilmenite and arrested two suspects along the Bomadi-Oro Junction road.

“In Rivers, troops engaged armed oil thieves involved in pipeline vandalism at the Oboburu community, forcing the suspects to flee, while one suspect sustained gunshot wounds. Troops also discovered an illegal refining site in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area, recovering equipment and about 40 litres of stolen crude oil,” he said.

The report said the latest operations underscored the military’s continued reliance on intelligence, joint operations and sustained offensive action to disrupt terrorists, kidnappers, criminal networks and economic saboteurs across the country. 

(NAN)

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, saying he is not fit to become Nigeria’s Vice President because of his alleged past actions against the judiciary.

Wike also accused the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) of abandoning its traditional role of defending justice and the rule of law in favour of political interests.

The minister spoke on Wednesday during his monthly media briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Wike asked Nigerians to look closely at the records of politicians who present themselves as defenders of democracy and the rule of law before giving them important public offices.

He said, “Rotimi Amaechi, who wants to be Vice President today, once shut down the courts in Rivers State and caused a pregnant woman to give birth in prison.”

Wike said such an alleged record should be considered when judging politicians seeking senior executive positions.

He also criticised the NBA over what he described as its involvement in politics.

“The Nigerian Bar Association has now taken sides politically. They are now a political party,” he said.

Concerning the 2027 presidential election, Wike said he would not sit back and allow former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is seeking the presidency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to win.

Wike also denied reports that he planned to move from Abuja back to Rivers State.

He explained that his frequent trips to the state were meant to keep in touch with his people and follow political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.

“It is not about relocating; it is about coming home to relate with the people and talk to them, and also do those things you know how to do very well, not to take chances.

“I’m not relocating. I don’t need to relocate, but I also have to be in touch with my people so that I don’t just sit in Abuja and then say that everything is going on there well,” he said.

The minister said he could not depend only on political associates to tell him that everything was going well in Rivers State.