Nigerian Army intensifies nationwide counterterrorism operations after three Immigration officers were killed in Kebbi, rescuing 21 kidnapped victims across multiple states

The Nigerian Army has intensified nationwide counterterrorism operations following a deadly attack in Kebbi State that left three Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) personnel dead.

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Fresh, coordinated raids were launched across multiple theatres within the last 24 hours, resulting in the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims and the disruption of several criminal networks.

A senior military source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA moved swiftly after terrorists ambushed an NIS checkpoint in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi.

According to the source, the attackers opened fire on officers manning the checkpoint, killing three Immigration personnel and setting operational vehicles ablaze before fleeing into nearby forests.

“Troops pursued the terrorists immediately after the attack, but they had already withdrawn into nearby forests,” the source said.

“The Army has now reinforced deployments in the general area to prevent further incursions.”

Significant breakthroughs were recorded in both Zamfara and Kebbi following the renewed deployments.

In Maradun, soldiers from 1 Brigade repelled an attack on Baigasuwa community, rescuing trapped residents, though four civilians were injured by gunfire.

Troops also rescued five persons and a baby along the Unashi–Doka road in Danko Wasagu LGA after terrorists abandoned their captives on sighting advancing soldiers.

In the North-Central region, troops of Operation MESA operating along the Kogi–Kwara corridor freed four kidnapped victims during a gunfight with insurgents at Konan Leda, Lokoja.

“Following the exchange of fire, eleven additional victims managed to escape as the terrorists fled,” the source noted. Recovered items included two motorcycles and a radio set.

Another victim was rescued in the Kwali axis of the Federal Capital Territory during sustained clearance operations targeting routes notorious for abductions.

Meanwhile, the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, tightened its clampdown on crude oil theft.

In Eleme, Rivers State, a combined team uncovered 350 bags of stolen crude oil—estimated at 10,500 litres—while another patrol in Bonny recovered abandoned theft equipment, including hoses, a Yamaha engine and several jerricans.

The source added that other operational theatres, particularly those under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East and the ongoing Desert Sanity IV, recorded no major incidents but continued aggressive patrols and clearance missions.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting civilians nationwide.

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“Troops remain on heightened alert to deny terrorists and criminals any freedom of movement,” he said. “The attacks on security personnel will not deter ongoing operations.”