By Peter Jene, Senior National Correspondent
GUSAU, Zamfara — The Nigerian Army Headquarters has released details of the success recorded by troops of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD), who neutralized scores of terrorists, destroyed enclaves and rescued eight kidnap victims in Zamfara State. Nigerian troops have been embroiled in multiple counterterrorism operations across the Northern part of the country.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Suleiman Omale, Information Officer Operation HADARIN DAJI, and circulated by the Army Headquarters, the Nigerian troops recorded this success against the terrorists in continuation with the dry season clearance operations in its Areas of Responsibility in Zamfara state.
The Nigerian Army stated that the eight kidnap victims were rescued unhurt in an ambush operation conducted in the state by the OPHD troops on the Wednesday, February 28, 2024, as part of its continuous clearance operation of the terrorists’ enclaves at Bayan Ruwa axis which is presume to be one of their crossing point in the state.
The Army statement revealed that during the operation, the Nigerian troops engaged the terrorists in a heavy gun duel which resulted in the terrorists abandoning their captors and fleeing in disarray as they succumbed to superior fighting power. Owing to the prompt response by the troops, eight kidnap victims were rescued unharmed.
“The Gallant troops who neutralized scores of the terrorists have destroyed the terrorists enclaves and dominated the area with aggressive and confidence building patrol within the general area.
All the rescued victims were handed over to the appropriate authorities to reunite them with their respective families.
“The Commander Joint Task Force North West Operation HADARIN DAJI/General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Godwin Mutkut has commended the efforts of the troops for their continued doggedness and resilience in an effort to restore normalcy in the Northwest,” the Nigerian Army further stated.
As the Nigerian Armed Forces celebrates this much needed success, security experts have expressed belief that the nation’s prolonged war on terror may be ultimate won sooner that predicted if the emerging battlefield momentum is sustained.
