By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 18 Brigade, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Administration Battalion and reinforced by troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Beri, have thwarted the movement of suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol under Operation Savannah Shield in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation commenced at about 6:00 a.m. on June 30 following credible intelligence indicating that a large group of terrorists, riding on more than 100 motorcycles, was moving around Ma’undu Village.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops established blocking positions at Babban Number, Dare Biyu, Beri and Allabani villages to deny the terrorists freedom of action and intercept their movement.
The sources said troops subsequently laid an ambush at a suspected terrorist crossing point. However, the insurgents detected the security presence and diverted through an alternative route via Rijiyar Nagwamatse before crossing into Usalle Village.
Troops immediately pursued the fleeing terrorists along their escape route but made no contact before the suspects dispersed.
Security sources said the operation disrupted the terrorists’ planned movement and demonstrated the military’s proactive posture in responding to credible intelligence aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement across the area.
They added that troops have sustained aggressive patrols and surveillance operations across the general area to track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from carrying out attacks on vulnerable communities.
