Troops rescue 16 kidnap victims, nab terrorist logistics suppliers in fresh operations

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army has listed rescue of 16 kidnapped victims, arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and informants, and recovery arms, ammunition and other items among the recent achievements of troops deployed for operations across the country.

This is contained in an operational update covering activities of the troops in the last 24 hours, made available on Wednesday in Abuja.

In the Northeast, the report said troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested a suspected female ISWAP informant and logistics supplier at Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

It said the suspect was intercepted while allegedly attempting to return to her husband in the Sava terrorist enclave within the Sambisa Forest.

According to the report, items recovered from her included a mobile phone and other personal effects.

In the North West, it said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA repelled a terrorist ambush on personnel of the 2 Nigerian Mobile Force at Abrom village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna.

“The troops fought through the ambush, forcing the attackers to flee and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and 50 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

“Also, in Sokoto State, troops rescued 16 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Shagari and Gandi Local Government Areas.

“The first operation at Wanke and Kaura villages led to the rescue of six abductees after terrorists abandoned them while fleeing military troops.

“Troops also recovered two motorcycles belonging to the fleeing terrorists,” it said.

The report said troops had in another operation at Badanma village, engaged terrorists, forcing them to abandon 10 kidnapped victims who were rescued unharmed.

It added that troops also intercepted a white bus transporting 10 motorcycles along the Biu-Kangiwa road in Kebbi.

According to the report, preliminary investigations revealed the motorcycles were destined for a notorious terrorist identified as Mallam Gehowa at Amogoro.

“Four suspected terrorist logistics suppliers were arrested and handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.

“In Taraba State, troops of Operation MESA arrested a suspected criminal at Dema Road in Donga Local Government Area.

“Recovered from the suspect were 29 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three mobile phones, a power bank and N160,000.

“The suspect allegedly confessed purchasing the ammunition from another individual in the area,” it added.

The report further revealed that troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recovered rustled cattle after engaging suspected terrorists in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau.

It said the troops also raided a suspected drug den at Saya village in Bassa Local Government Area, arresting four suspected drug dealers.

According to the report, items recovered included eight cutlasses, six knives, cannabis and other illicit substances.

It said that toops further responded to an armed robbery incident along the Mararaba Jama’a highway where they recovered the corpse of a victim with gunshot wounds.

“They also intervened in Pankshin Local Government Area following the killing of a farmer allegedly by suspected herders over a grazing dispute.

“The incident triggered reprisals, forcing the fleeing herders to abandon 15 cattle now in police custody.

“Meanwhile, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, working with Defence Intelligence Agency operatives, recovered one AK-47 rifle and a magazine during a follow-up raid on the residence of a suspected militia member in Wukari, Taraba” it added.

(NAN)