A coordinated ambush by the Nigerian Army and local Amotekun vigilantes has resulted in the elimination of two terrorists in Ondo State, signaling a new phase of civil-military cooperation in the fight against banditry.

The Akunu–Auga road in Ondo State, a notorious corridor for criminal transit, became a kill zone on February 14. Acting on precise human intelligence, troops from the 32 Artillery Brigade, fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) and local vigilantes, intercepted a terror cell attempting to infiltrate the region.

The firefight that ensued was brief but decisive. When the smoke cleared, two terrorists lay dead, while their accomplices fled into the dense bush nursing gunshot wounds. This operation is a textbook example of "intelligence-led warfare," proving that the Nigerian military’s greatest asset is not just its firepower, but its relationship with the local population.

The Inventory of Terror

The items recovered from the scene paint a chilling picture of the group's capabilities and intent. This was not a random band of highwaymen; they were a paramilitary unit.

• Firepower: One AK-47 rifle with two fully loaded magazines and 61 rounds of live ammunition.
• Logistics: Mobile handsets for coordination, charms (juju) for "protection," and cash reserves.
• Tactical Gear: Jackknives and flashlights, indicating readiness for night operations.

The "Amotekun" Factor

The involvement of the Amotekun Corps is significant. It validates the effectiveness of state-level policing structures in complementing federal might. "The success of the operation highlights the unwavering resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action," stated Brigade Spokesperson Irabor Njoka.

For the residents of Ondo, this victory brings a fragile peace. The security forces have vowed to sustain "aggressive clearance operations," sending a grim message to any criminal elements eyeing the state: the forests are watching, and the roads are closed.