Troops of Operation SAFE SANITY (OPSS) have recorded major operational successes in Niger State with the arrest of four suspected terrorist collaborators and fighters, as well as the neutralisation of an unspecified number of terrorists during separate intelligence-led operations.
Security sources disclosed that the first breakthrough occurred at about 8:30 a.m. on July 23, when troops at the Headquarters of Operation SAFE SANITY arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator in Kainji, Niger State.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly provided actionable intelligence that led security forces to a suspected terrorist hideout at Baborasa Village in Borgu Local Government Area.
Acting on the information, troops launched a follow-up operation at about 10:00 p.m. on July 24, resulting in the arrest of three additional suspected terrorists at the identified location.
Further exploitation of the operation reportedly uncovered fresh links to a wider terrorist network after investigators discovered that the contact list on one of the suspects’ mobile phones contained the telephone numbers of several wanted terrorists already on the military’s watch list.
The four suspects are currently in military custody for further interrogation, while investigations continue to dismantle the terrorist network and facilitate the arrest of other wanted members.
In a separate operation, troops of the Nigerian Army successfully ambushed suspected terrorists in Kontagora Local Government Area, killing an unspecified number of the assailants and recovering six motorcycles.
The operation was carried out at about 5:30 p.m. on July 25 by troops of the 45 Battalion at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Beri, in collaboration with the 18 Brigade Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and personnel of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Administrative Battalion.
According to military sources, the troops laid an ambush at a known terrorist crossing point in Tudun Magaji Village, where they engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.
The operation, however, came at a cost as one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice, while another sustained gunshot injuries and was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
Troops returned to the area at about 6:00 a.m. on July 26 to exploit the battlefield, recovering six motorcycles believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
Military authorities said follow-up operations are ongoing to track down the escaping terrorists, dismantle their remaining hideouts, and consolidate security gains across the affected communities in Niger State.
