The Nigerian Army has made significant strides in its counter-terrorism operations under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, killing several terrorists and receiving the surrender of numerous insurgents’ family members. These successes are part of coordinated efforts by troops across various theatres of operation, particularly in the North-East.
In Borno State, troops discovered and successfully neutralized improvised explosive devices planted beneath the Dikwa–Marte Bridge. Soldiers from the 24 Task Force Brigade and 50 Task Force Battalion also carried out ambush operations in areas like Platari and Komala in Konduga Local Government Area, where they eliminated three insurgents and recovered key supplies including motorcycles and food.
Further west in the Mandarari area, soldiers from the 222 Battalion repelled an infiltration attempt near an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, neutralizing several attackers. Simultaneously, Brigadier-General BMG Martins led precise raids on hideouts in Mandaragirau, Nguma, Kimba, and Sabon Gari, which resulted in the deaths of two terrorists and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
In a significant morale boost for the military, 14 family members of terrorists—eight women and six children—voluntarily surrendered to troops. Additionally, a young insurgent of Buduma origin turned himself in to the 19 Brigade in Baga, bringing along a horse, in a symbolic act that suggests growing disillusionment within insurgent ranks.
Outside the North-East, troops of the 8 Division secured a key route in Sokoto State and neutralized a terrorist during a patrol between Takatsaba and Sabon Birni. Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory, soldiers from the 176 Guards Battalion intercepted two suspected gunrunners in a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, recovering an AK-47 rifle. In Benue State’s Katsina-Ala area, troops from Operation Whirl Stroke repelled an attack and killed one armed criminal.
These sweeping military operations point to a renewed and effective strategy in the fight against terrorism, showing results through enemy losses, disrupted attacks, and a growing wave of surrenders.
