Army kills two suspected terrorists, recovers AK-47 in Ondo
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Troops of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army have neutralised two suspected armed terrorists during a tactical operation along the Akunu–Auga road in Ondo State.
The operation, carried out on February 14, followed intelligence on the movement of suspected criminal elements within the axis, the Army disclosed.
In a statement issued on February 15 by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade, Major Irabor Njoka, the military said troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Auga, swiftly mobilised to intercept the suspects.
According to the statement, the armed men reportedly opened fire on sighting the advancing troops, prompting a gun duel.
“During the exchange, two of the suspects were neutralised, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds,” the Army said.
The military authorities explained that the operation was conducted in collaboration with operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, as well as local vigilantes.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 61 rounds of ammunition.
Other exhibits reportedly recovered were three mobile phones, a jackknife, a torchlight, suspected illicit drugs, charms and the sum of ₦39,000.
The Army described the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and restore public confidence in security operations.
It reiterated its commitment to sustaining clearance operations and intensifying patrols along identified flashpoints across Ondo State.
The statement further noted that troops would continue to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response.
Residents of the affected communities were urged to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security efforts.
The Army assured law-abiding citizens of its resolve to protect lives and property, stressing that criminal elements would find no safe haven within its area of responsibility.
The latest development comes amid renewed security operations aimed at curbing violent crimes and ensuring peace in vulnerable communities across the state.
