Military Rescues Two Hostages, Recovers N1.2m Ransom, Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant in Borno
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued two kidnap victims and arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) informant in separate intelligence-led operations in Borno State, as the military intensifies efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore security across the North-East.
In the first operation, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), rescued two abductees during a search-and-rescue mission at Gwugumdi village in the Mussa area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area.
Security sources said the operation led troops to suspected terrorist hideouts around Dutse Mopo, where they encountered insurgents. Following a brief exchange, the terrorists fled the area, allowing the troops to secure the location.
The rescued victims were identified as Saleh Aliyu, 15, and Mrs. Dija Aliyu, 35, both from Dubunkwa Mussa in Askira/Uba Local Government Area. They were rescued unharmed.
Troops also recovered several items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists, including 10 packs of spaghetti, 10 packs of Viva detergent, cooking utensils, airtime vouchers valued at ₦25,000 and ₦1.2 million in cash suspected to be ransom proceeds collected from victims’ families.
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Military sources said exploitation of the area and search-and-rescue operations are continuing to track the fleeing terrorists and locate other possible victims.
In a separate operation, operatives of the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB) under Sector 3 of Operation HADIN KAI, working with the CJTF, arrested a suspected ISWAP informant during a targeted intelligence-led operation at Kasuwan Shanu in Monguno Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Isa Janyu, 30, was apprehended on July 4. He is a native of Arianna Mai Massallachi Village in Kukawa Local Government Area.
According to military sources, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly identified wealthy residents for ISWAP operatives to facilitate kidnapping-for-ransom operations.
Items recovered from him included a Tecno mobile phone, a knife, a comb, a mirror and ₦10,000 in cash.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the Headquarters Sector 3 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation.
Military authorities said the two operations underscore the sustained intelligence-driven campaign by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist cells, disrupt kidnapping networks, eliminate informants and deny insurgents the support structures needed to sustain their activities.
They added that while the security situation across the North-East theatre remains relatively calm, troops have maintained a high level of vigilance and operational readiness to counter emerging threats and sustain pressure on terrorist elements.
By PRNigeria
