Troops under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have sustained offensive operations in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, neutralising suspected terrorists, recovering arms, and rescuing 13 kidnapped victims in coordinated missions.

The operation, conducted at about 10:30 a.m. on April 10, was executed by troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). 

It targeted Auta Kachalla Camp and the Kuka general area, known for suspected terrorist activities.

Security sources disclosed that the troops, led by the Commander of the 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig. Gen. SS Shehu, made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a firefight. 

The insurgents were overwhelmed by superior firepower and fled into surrounding areas, with some reportedly neutralised during the encounter.

Items recovered from the camp included one Dane gun, a locally fabricated firearm, five Baofeng radios, a Point of Sale (POS) machine, a mobile phone, and a laptop. Several motorcycles used by the terrorists were also destroyed on site.

In a related follow-up operation, troops of a combat support infantry battalion deployed at Mansur, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), carried out a fighting patrol at about 11:00 a.m. the same day. 

The patrol was conducted after an earlier air strike on terrorist enclaves at Garin Bagobiri on April 9th.

During the exploitation of the area, troops successfully rescued 13 kidnapped victims who had been held by the fleeing terrorists. 

The victims are currently in military custody undergoing profiling and other necessary procedures before reunification with their families.

The sustained operations highlight ongoing military efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, deny them operational bases, and restore security across Bauchi State and adjoining regions. (PRNigeria)