Nigerian Army troops have successfully killed a notorious Boko Haram commander, Abu Rijab, during a series of coordinated military operations across the country. The operations also led to the arrest of several criminal suspects and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and other materials used by terrorists.
On August 17, 2024, troops launched a targeted offensive against a terrorist stronghold in Bula Daloye, located in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. The intense battle resulted in the death of three terrorists, including Abu Rijab, a wanted Boko Haram commander. Soldiers recovered two AK-47 rifles and mobile phones from the scene.
In addition to this victory, eight terrorists and their families surrendered to the Nigerian Army in Gwoza Local Government Area, also in Borno State. The sustained pressure from the military is believed to have compelled them to give up their fight. Further success was recorded in Konduga Local Government Area, where troops arrested two suspects who were caught with 52 bags of illicit drugs intended for terrorist groups.
In a separate operation in Taraba State, troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Alhaji Adamu Tanko, the chairman of the Gassol Local Government Area Hunters’ Association. Tanko was accused of selling an AK-47 rifle to a suspected terrorist. The rifle was reportedly recovered during a joint military operation in Boki Lamba, a town on the border with Plateau State.
Additionally, troops stationed in Plateau State responded to distress calls about suspicious activities in the Rikkos area of Jos North Local Government Area. The operation resulted in the arrest of two criminal suspects and the seizure of a fabricated rifle. Mobile phones containing images of various types of weapons were also recovered.
The Chief of Army Staff praised the troops for their dedication and effectiveness in these operations. He also thanked the public for their continued support and cooperation with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. He emphasized the importance of credible and actionable information in the fight against terrorism and criminal activities across the country.