In the South-East, the DHQ said soldiers arrested 78 suspected IPOB/ESN criminals and rescued five kidnap victims.
Bandits operating along Mayanchi-Dogo Karfe and Fagantama villages had opened fire on the soldiers who were on fighting patrol.
Mr. Aruwan said that armed bandits carried out an attack on the Kurmin Gandu village late on Sunday, leaving five people dead, as reported in a security update he issued on Monday.
“Yes, it’s true, the troops reclaimed the town so far, no casualty recorded from our troops after the gun battle,” army spokesman said.
The onslaught of banditry and kidnapping activities has led to the deaths of many citizens across the state.
The military says the operation was in continuation of efforts to forestall banditry and other criminal activities in the zone.
Many soldiers are still missing in action.
Nearly 400 were also arrested as Nigerian military intensifies campaigns to drive out violent criminals operating across two regions.
