Troops conducting counter-terrorism operations in Niger State have neutralized a suspected Boko Haram fighter and recovered motorcycles and ammunition during a major clearance operation in Gulbi community.
The operation, carried out through a coordinated ground and air assault between May 30 and May 31, was launched following intelligence reports suggesting that terrorists were using the community as a staging base and had allegedly hoisted insurgent flags in the area.
According to security sources cited by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, troops moved into the area to verify the reports and flush out any terrorist elements operating within the community.
However, upon arrival, security forces discovered that no flags belonging to either Boko Haram or Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) had been hoisted in Gulbi as earlier reported.
Despite the absence of the reported flags, troops proceeded with an extensive clearance operation aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement and disrupting any potential hideouts within the area.
During the operation, soldiers combed surrounding locations and maintained dominance across the general area before commencing their return journey.
Security sources disclosed that while withdrawing from the operation, troops encountered fleeing terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
The superior firepower and coordinated response of the joint force reportedly overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to retreat from the area.
Following the encounter, troops recovered 15 motorcycles believed to have been used by the insurgents for transportation and operational activities. Several additional motorcycles were destroyed on the spot because they could not be evacuated.
The operation also led to the recovery of 253 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, while the body of one neutralized terrorist was discovered during the post-operation sweep.
Residents of Gulbi and neighboring communities were said to have expressed appreciation to the troops for the successful operation, which they believe has helped restore confidence and improve security in the area.
Military authorities have continued to intensify operations across parts of Niger State and other vulnerable regions as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorist threats and prevent insurgent groups from establishing operational bases within local communities.
