Nigerian Army troops kill terrorist, nab 23 suspects in nationwide crackdown

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Nigerian Army has listed killing of a terrorist, arrest of 23 suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, child trafficking and other criminal activities among the achievements of its troops across multiple theatres nationwide in the last 48 hours

The troops also recovered various grades of weapons and ammunition in the intelligence-driven and coordinated operations, the Army said in a statement it published on its social media handles late Sunday.

Giving a breakdown of the operations, the Army said in the South-East, troops apprehended a suspected IPOB/ESN spy in Anambra State while two alleged child traffickers were also arrested n Orumba South LGA of the state.

The statement further indicated that troops detained four suspected kidnappers in Edo State, recovering two cutlasses among other items.

The troops also foiled a kidnapping attempt on a serving soldier in Okpella, Edo State, forcing the abductors to flee and rescuing the victim unhurt while another four suspected kidnappers were arrested along Afua–Ekpoma Road, Edo State.

Also, the troops arrested four suspected violent extremists in Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT while two impostors dressed in military and police uniforms were nabbed in Nasarawa State.

In addition, Nigerian Army said troops arrested seven suspected kidnappers across Toto and Doma LGAs of Nasarawa State with one machete, one dagger and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, among other exhibits recovered from them.

Army added that in the North-East/Benue–Taraba axis, troops on fighting patrol in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State made contact with violent extremists, neutralising one terrorist and apprehending another after a firefight.

It added that troops responding to kidnapping activity also rescued two abducted victims along Wukari–Ikyior Road after the criminals fled on sighting troops.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting lives and property, and calls on members of the public to continue supporting security forces with timely and credible information, as collective vigilance remains vital to securing Nigeria and sustaining public confidence in ongoing operations,” the statement concluded.