By Ismaila Musa

Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully repelled a terrorist attack in Zamfara State and arrested suspected cattle rustlers in Borno State during separate security operations conducted over the weekend.

Security sources disclosed that troops of the 1 Brigade Quick Response Force (QRF) thwarted an attack on Illela village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State at about 4 p.m. on Saturday.

According to counter-terrorism analyst Zagazola Makama, the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle shortly after arriving in the community, killing an unspecified number of the terrorists and forcing others to flee.

Items recovered from the scene included one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), one AK-47 rifle, an extra magazine, 211 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition, and five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

During the exchange of fire, tyres of a CSK Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) deployed for the operation were damaged. Troops have since intensified patrols in the area to track down fleeing terrorists and prevent further attacks on nearby communities.

In a separate operation in Adamawa State, troops of the 232 Battalion (Tactical), in collaboration with police personnel, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), hunters, and vigilantes, arrested five suspects during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts in Mubi metropolis.

The operation, carried out at about 6 a.m. on Friday, formed part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in the area. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation.

Meanwhile, troops of the 25 Brigade, working alongside local hunters, arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and recovered six stolen cattle during an operation at Kwaya Kusar Market in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources revealed that the suspects were intercepted at about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday while allegedly attempting to transport the livestock.

The operation followed intelligence reports linking the suspects to cattle rustling activities and alleged collaboration with terrorists operating within the region.

The suspects are currently in military custody, while the recovered cattle have been secured pending identification and return to their rightful owners.