The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued 25 kidnapped victims and arrested 10 suspects in a series of nationwide operations carried out over the last 48 hours.
According to a source at Army Headquarters, the suspects include alleged bandit collaborators illegal miners violent extremists and a suspected arms dealer. The source said the coordinated missions took place across the North East North West North Central and South South regions.
In the North East troops of Operation Hadin Kai carried out clearance operations around terrorist hideouts in the Gargash area of Bama Local Government Area in Borno State. The troops recovered two AK 47 rifles magazines ammunition and motorbikes and destroyed terrorists’ camps and farmlands.
In the North West troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued three kidnapped victims at Kobbo village in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State after responding to a terrorist attack. In Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State troops responded to another attack in which a farmer was killed and one civilian abducted.
The source said a suspected arms dealer was arrested in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State after he tried to buy 10 rifles and ammunition from a soldier. Troops recovered 58 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a mobile phone from the suspect. Troops also confronted violent extremists attempting to move into Odare Forest in Wase Local Government Area recovering a loaded magazine motorbikes and other items.
In the North Central region troops under Operation MESA rescued one of two victims kidnapped around Ushafa Hills in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory and arrested two suspects while efforts continue to free the remaining victim. In Kaduna State troops rescued 10 kidnapped victims in Sanga Local Government Area and recovered a fabricated AK 47 rifle along with 1.6 million naira suspected to be ransom money. Another team rescued two young herders during an operation in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The source added that troops of Operation Enduring Peace arrested two illegal miners in Barkin Ladi and two violent extremists in Jos North in Plateau State. Under Operation Whirl Stroke troops responded to violent attacks in Benue State where one herder was killed and an 11 year old boy had his hand amputated by militias.
In Kogi State troops of 12 Brigade working with a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser arrested two wives of a notorious bandit leader known as Batijjo during a joint operation along the Abuja Koton Karfe highway.
In the South South region troops of Operation Delta Safe rescued nine passengers who were kidnapped by sea pirates along the Oron Ibaka waterways near the Nigeria Cameroon maritime border. The troops also arrested a suspected pipeline vandal in Rivers State during a covert operation. Under Operation UDO KA troops uncovered a warehouse in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State where 22 bags of illegally refined diesel estimated at about 600 litres were stored.
The source said troops across all operational areas are maintaining aggressive patrols clearance missions and intelligence led operations to restrict criminal movements and protect communities nationwide.
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