Troops smash IPOB/ESN camp, rescue hostages, arrest gunrunner

The Nigerian Army troops have successfully dismantled terrorists’ hideouts, apprehended key terrorist elements, and seized firearms, as well as logistics.

In a statement on its social media platform, it said some Boko Haram fighters and their families surrendered.

“These decisive actions underscore the Nigerian Army’s resolve to eradicate all threats to national security.

“In a recent raid operation to curb terrorists’ activities in South Eastern Nigeria, troops stormed an IPOB/ESN hideout in the Enugwu Umuonyia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“Overwhelmed in the ensuing firefight, the terrorists fled, leaving behind a cache of arms and logistics. The troops swiftly searched and destroyed the hideouts, recovering 78 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm ammunition, 13 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 20 live cartridges, a pump-action gun, a locally fabricated pistol, an AK-56 magazine and six vehicles found within the camp.

“On 9 October, 2024, Nigerian Army troops operating in Plateau State intercepted a notorious gunrunner during a precision stop-and-search operation along the Mangar-Bokkos road.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of one Mathew Caleb, aged 35, who was in possession of a fabricated revolver rifle, a fabricated pistol, 23 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, 2 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a motorcycle.

“The suspect was en route Bokkos town to deliver the deadly weapons to buyers when troops thwarted his mission. Troops also arrested two armed motorcycle snatchers and a robber in Bokkos Local Government Area, seizing a fabricated pistol, 4 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a motorcycle from the criminals.

“In a significant blow to the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, a total of 15 wearied fighters, along with their families, have surrendered to Nigerian Army troops in the Gwoza and Bama Local Government areas of Borno State,” the statement read.