Three Immigration officers shot dead in Kebbi, Army rescues 21 kidnapped victims

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army has intensified nationwide counterterrorism operations following a deadly attack in Kebbi State that claimed the lives of three Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) personnel.

The coordinated raids, launched across multiple theatres within the last 24 hours, also led to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims and the disruption of several criminal activities.

A senior military source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded swiftly after terrorists ambushed an NIS checkpoint in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi.

According to the source, the attackers opened fire on officers manning the checkpoint, killing three Immigration personnel and burning operational vehicles before fleeing the scene.

“Troops pursued the terrorists immediately after the attack, but they had already withdrawn into nearby forests,” the source said.

“The Army has now reinforced deployments in the general area to prevent further incursions.”

Amid the heightened operations in the North-West, troops recorded major breakthroughs in Zamfara and Kebbi.

In Maradun, soldiers from 1 Brigade repelled an attack on Baigasuwa community, rescuing trapped residents, although four civilians sustained gunshot injuries.

Troops also rescued five persons and a baby along the Unashi–Doka road in Danko Wasagu LGA, after the terrorists abandoned their captives upon sighting advancing soldiers.

In the North-Central region, troops of Operation MESA operating along the Kogi–Kwara corridor freed four kidnapped victims during a gunfight with insurgents at Konan Leda, Lokoja.

“Following the exchange of fire, eleven additional victims managed to escape as the terrorists fled,” the source added. Items recovered included two motorcycles and a radio set.

Another victim was rescued by troops in the Kwali axis of the Federal Capital Territory as part of sustained clearance operations along key routes notorious for abductions.

Meanwhile, the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, continues to tighten its grip on crude oil theft. A combined team in Eleme, Rivers State, uncovered 350 bags of stolen crude oil, estimated at 10,500 litres, while a separate patrol in Bonny recovered theft equipment abandoned by fleeing suspects, including hoses, a Yamaha engine and several jerricans.

The source said other theatres, particularly those under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East and the ongoing Desert Sanity IV, reported no major incidents but continued aggressive patrols and clearance missions.

He reaffirmed the military’s resolve to protect civilians nationwide.

“Troops remain on heightened alert to deny terrorists and criminals any freedom of movement,” he said. “The attacks on security personnel will not deter ongoing operations.”