ABUJA — The Nigerian Army says its troops have arrested 11 terrorist logistics suppliers and rescued nine kidnapped victims during nationwide operations carried out within 48 hours.
A military source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday that the operations also led to the recovery of 114 livestock, N1.1m in cash, one pump-action rifle, four cartridges, petroleum products, and other items.
According to the source, troops of 149 Battalion in Gubio, Borno State, on September 7 arrested eight suspected logistics suppliers of Boko Haram/ISWAP. Recovered items included 28 jerrycans and a drum of petrol hidden in shops and a POS centre, N145,510 cash, and five mobile phones.
In Katsina State, troops of 17 Brigade foiled a terrorist attack at Gidan Kwairo village in Malumfashi LGA, rescuing five kidnapped victims as the attackers fled.
Elsewhere, troops of 9 Brigade apprehended a dismissed soldier, ex-Lance Corporal Emefik Michael, in Mowe, Ogun State, for allegedly extorting residents while wearing military camouflage. Michael, dismissed in 2017, has been handed over to the police for prosecution.
In Bayelsa, troops of 5 Battalion, working with the NSCDC and a private security outfit, arrested a notorious oil wellhead vandal at Okordia, Yenagoa, and handed him over to the DSS. Similarly, troops of 4 Brigade, Operation MESA, arrested a suspected militant at Kokotoro Camp in Ovia South-West LGA of Edo State, recovering a pump-action rifle and four cartridges before destroying the criminals’ camp.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace in Taraba intercepted two suspects on a motorcycle at Gayam checkpoint, Gashaka LGA, with N1m cash. One escaped, but investigations linked the money to the killing of a farmer on September 6. A motorcycle and phone were also seized.
In Plateau State, troops impounded 105 cattle and nine rams grazing on farmlands in Jwak Metumbi, Mangu LGA, without herders. The livestock were secured at the troops’ base while community leaders were tasked to produce the owners for resolution.
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Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, troops of Forward Operating Base Sanga foiled a kidnap attempt at Ungwan Bera village, rescuing four victims, including two children. Two sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at ECWA Private Hospital, Fadan Karshi.
The source reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to denying terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminals freedom of action nationwide.
