Troops of the 32 Artillery Brigade have neutralised two suspected armed terrorists and recovered weapons during a tactical operation in Ondo State.

In a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Irabor Njoka, and obtained from the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Monday, the troops, deployed at the Forward Operating Base Auga, carried out the operation along the Akunu–Auga Road on February 14, 2026.

According to the statement, the troops acted on credible human intelligence regarding the movement of suspected criminals in the area.

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They swiftly mobilised and intercepted the suspects.

“The ensuing contact with the armed elements led to a firefight, where the troops’ superior firepower resulted in the neutralisation of two of the terrorists, while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds.

“The operation was carried out in conjunction with personnel of the Ondo State Security Network Agency and local vigilantes.

“Items recovered from the encounter with the criminals include one AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 61 rounds of ammunition, three mobile handsets, a jackknife, a torchlight, suspected illicit drugs, charms, and the sum of ₦39,000, among other personal effects,” the statement read.

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Killed suspect. Credit: Nigerian Army

The Brigade said the operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and movement, and to protect lives and property across Ondo State.

It added that troops would sustain clearance and exploitation operations, intensify patrols along identified criminal corridors, and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to ensure security in the state.

The Army urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information, noting that public cooperation remains critical to efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

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This incident comes amid a broader surge in security operations across Nigeria.

Punch Online reports that the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps, arrested no fewer than 95 suspected criminals across the 18 local government areas of the state for various offences.

According to the state commander, the suspects were allegedly involved in crimes such as kidnapping, stealing, burglary, and illegal mining.