Nigerian troops have killed more than 50 armed men in separate operations in the country’s conflict-ridden northeast and northwest,according to official statements released Thursday.
In Katsina State,northwest Nigeria,security forces repelled coordinated attacks by hundreds of armed bandits raiding multiple villages on Tuesday (8 July). Katsina’s Commissioner for Internal Affairs,Nasir Mua’zu,said 30 attackers were “neutralized” by joint police and military forces with air support. However,the violence also claimed the lives of one civilian,two soldiers,and three police officers. “Our gallant security forces successfully repelled the attackers … We are working tirelessly with federal security agencies to ensure the safety of all citizens,” Mua’zu stated. The government has promised to intensify cooperation with federal agencies to restore order to the region long plagued by mass kidnappings and violent raids.
In the northeast,the Nigerian Army confirmed that 24 insurgents from Boko Haram and the ISIL affiliate in West Africa Province (ISWAP) were killed during a series of operations from 4 to 9 July across Borno and Adamawa states. The offensive,part of Operation HADIN KAI,included ambushes,patrols,and coordinated airstrikes targeting terrorist enclaves. Army spokesman Capt. Reuben Kovangiya said the missions aimed to dismantle insurgent logistics and restore civilian life in the region. Troops recovered weapons,motorcycles,and ammunition. While officials hailed the operations as successful,past claims have faced scrutiny amid ongoing insecurity and widespread displacement.
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