Nationwide Operations: Troops Rescue 38 Kidnap Victims, Kill Terrorist Kingpins
Nigerian troops have rescued dozens of kidnapped victims and neutralised several terrorists and criminal elements in sustained operations across the country.
The operations, conducted between August 31 and September 3, also led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment, while several suspected terrorists, informants and logistics suppliers were arrested.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday detailing the latest operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria across the various theatres.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements in Borno and Yobe states.
On September 1, troops responding to an improvised explosive device incident along the Miyanti–Banki Junction main supply route in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State neutralised a terrorist and recovered a rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator.
The troops also ambushed terrorists at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, neutralising one and recovering a rifle and ammunition.
The operation also recorded several arrests and surrenders. A suspected terrorist logistics supplier was arrested in Konduga while allegedly transporting foodstuffs to a terrorist enclave in Bama. Another suspected former terrorist fighter, who reportedly became an informant, was arrested in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area.
Twenty-one women and children also surrendered to troops in Mafa, Dikwa Local Government Area, following clashes between rival terrorist elements in the Yaganari enclave.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised two suspected terrorist kingpins at Kogo Village in Matazu, Katsina State, on August 31, while another escaped with gunshot wounds.
On September 2, troops intercepted a vehicle at Kadage Village, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and recovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack of grain. A fleeing suspect was neutralised.
Troops also recovered an RPG launcher, rifle and ammunition during operations along the Kwanar Jolof–Shinkafi–Zurmi axis.
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The operations yielded significant gains in the rescue of kidnapped victims. Six victims were rescued in Wasagu, Kebbi State, while 23 others—three men and 20 women—were rescued around Wuya Town in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State after about three weeks in captivity.
Two more abducted persons and two motorcycles were recovered along the Dandume–Birnin Gwari Road in Sabuwa, Katsina State.
In Benue, Kogi and Taraba states, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised a suspected terrorist during a fighting patrol along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Two women abducted in Ajodomodo, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, were later abandoned unharmed by their kidnappers in Agbodakodo Forest.
In Taraba State, troops conducting a clearance operation in Peva, Takum Local Government Area, arrested five members of a wanted gang and recovered ammunition and other items. The gang leader, however, remained at large.
Similarly, troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued five male kidnap victims from farms along the Kotonkoro–Bangi Road in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
In Kwara State, troops apprehended a suspected terrorist fighter suffering from a gunshot wound at Gaa Ali Awere in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Troops of Operation Udo Ka also arrested suspected members of a secessionist syndicate in Anambra and Enugu states, including two suspects allegedly involved in providing medical treatment to secessionist elements.
The military further reported the destruction of a suspected terrorist camp in Bilange Forest, Sokoto State, where troops recovered military uniforms, identity cards and a rifle.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their resilience and urged them to sustain the momentum against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
He also acknowledged the support of other security agencies, the media and members of the public, particularly the timely sharing of information that has aided ongoing operations.
Maj Gen Onoja said the Armed Forces would continue to intensify coordinated operations to degrade criminal networks, protect communities and restore security across the country.
By PRNigeria
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