Nigerian Army troops successfully neutralized a notorious terrorist commander, Abba Alai (Amirul Khahid of Alafa), who had long been on security watchlists in a series of coordinated military offensives over the weekend.
The operations, which unfolded across multiple states, saw troops engaging insurgents in intense battles lasting over four hours in Bama and Gwoza, Borno State.
The army recovered a significant cache of weapons during the operations, including 11 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, 760 rounds of 7.62mm linked ammunition, 220 rounds of 12.7mm linked ammunition, an AK-47 rifle, 440 rounds of 7.62mm by 54mm ammunition, three light machine guns, one M60 machine gun, a Mowag armored tank engine, a QJC W85 anti-aircraft gun, and other heavy artillery.
In another development, troops operating in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State rescued ten captives, including seven women and three children, from a terrorist commander who later surrendered to the army, handing over two AK-47 rifles as a sign of renouncing terrorism.
Simultaneously, in Delta State, a high-profile commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its paramilitary wing, the Eastern Security Network was captured. The suspect, identified as Ekene Ifeanyi, was apprehended in his hideout within the Issele Asagba Forest in Oshimili South Local Government Area.
Confirming these operations, the Nigerian Army released a statement emphasizing the impact of their latest offensives.
The statement stated, “In a relentless and ferocious crackdown on terrorism, gallant troops of the Nigerian Army have once again demonstrated their unyielding resolve to obliterate terrorist enclaves, dealing a devastating blow to their operations.”
The military’s action in Bama Local Government Area was particularly intense. Acting on credible intelligence about insurgents regrouping around Fallujah and nearby villages, troops launched a well-planned attack.
The confrontation led to a fierce battle lasting several hours, during which the insurgents suffered heavy casualties, and their explosives were systematically dismantled.
The statement continued, “The latest offensives, executed with precision and overwhelming firepower, sent the terrorists into a state of utter disarray, forcing them to abandon a massive cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives as they fled for their lives.”
The offensive in Borno State also targeted terror hideouts in Unguwan Abdullahi, where troops destroyed life-support structures and unearthed food stockpiles hidden underground, further weakening the terrorists.
In Garin Fallujah, as troops pressed forward, they eliminated Abba Alai, a high-value target and one of the most wanted terrorist commanders.
Among the recovered weapons were one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 rifle magazine, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a radio set, a DSHK heavy machine gun barrel, a motorcycle, and a variety of medical supplies.
Troops extended their operation to Ukuba Forest, where they discovered an alarming assortment of military-grade equipment, including two General-Purpose Machine Guns an anti-aircraft gun, three light machine guns, a QJC W85 anti-aircraft gun, RPG launchers, an HK21 machine gun, and improvised explosive devices.
Elsewhere in Gwoza Local Government Area, troops blocked escape routes from Sambisa Forest, preventing insurgents from fleeing.
This led to another clash in Gobara village, where terrorists abandoned their weapons in panic. A thorough search of the area uncovered 57 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three AK-47 rifle magazines, a locally fabricated dane gun, and two prototype firearms believed to be used for terrorist training.
A particularly significant breakthrough came with the rescue of an elderly woman who had been held hostage by insurgents for a decade.
Meanwhile, in Chibok Local Government Area, a separate raid led to the arrest of a notorious kidnapping suspect long wanted by security forces.
Troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 rifle magazines, a pump-action shotgun, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and six cartridges.
The military operation extended beyond the Northeast. In Katsina State, troops stationed in Faskari Local Government Area repelled an attempted attack by terrorists, forcing them to flee into the forest. Similarly, in Jibia Local Government Area, a high-ranking terrorist commander voluntarily surrendered to security forces, freed 10 captives, and handed over his weapons.
In Zamfara State, an attempted terrorist attack was thwarted, resulting in one insurgent being neutralized while the rest fled, leaving behind two motorcycles.
Meanwhile, in Niger State, troops engaged armed groups in fierce combat in Dakwala and Chikuba forests.
This was followed by a clearance operation in which troops recovered 36 abandoned motorcycles and destroyed all terrorist hideouts in the region.
A counter-kidnapping operation was also carried out in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, where troops stormed a known criminal enclave in Karunji village.
The kidnappers, upon sighting advancing soldiers, abandoned their captives and fled. Security forces recovered a locally made pistol, six dane guns, and three motorcycles during the operation.
In Delta State, troops made a major breakthrough with the arrest of Ekene Ifeanyi, a high-profile IPOB/ESN commander who had been a key figure in establishing terrorist cells in the region. Upon interrogation, he admitted to his affiliation with the proscribed group.
Commending the soldiers for their bravery, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirmed his commitment to their welfare.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede while commending the troops’ resilience, has reiterated his resolve to make their welfare a priority, adding that they deserve the best for their selfless service.”
He also emphasized the army’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and restoring peace nationwide.
“With unwavering commitment, unmatched firepower and relentless pursuit, troops will continue to hunt down remnants of the nation’s adversaries, ensuring that peace and stability prevail across the country.”
These sweeping military actions underscore the Nigerian Army’s intensified counterterrorism strategy, aimed at dismantling terror networks, rescuing captives, and restoring security across the nation.
