Troops rescue 39 victims, arrest suspected terrorists

Nigerian troops have rescued 39 kidnapped victims, neutralised one suspected terrorist and arrested several suspected terrorists, collaborators and drug dealers in coordinated operations across the country.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed the latest operational successes in an update made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, covering operations conducted between Aug. 17 and Aug. 19.

The military said the operations involved intelligence-led patrols, search-and-rescue missions, offensive operations and inter-agency collaboration across several theatres.

The troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 14 kidnapped victims after engaging terrorists moving through Madaci Forest in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The victims, comprising six males and eight females, were abducted from different locations in Dandume, Bakori and Funtua local government areas.

In Zamfara, troops rescued two abducted victims with gunshot wounds at Kwanoni Village in Tsafe Local Government Area after responding to intelligence on terrorist activities in the area.

“In Kebbi, troops rescued three kidnapped victims during a search-and-rescue operation around Auda Village in Danko Wasagu LGA.

“Also, troops of Operation MESA foiled a kidnap attempt in Isanlu-Esa, Yagba West LGA of Kogi, rescuing a civilian who had been attacked on a farmland.

“In Taraba, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued 18 kidnapped victims at Kwatan Bajji in Ibi LGA after criminals fled on sighting the troops.

“The victims were subsequently released to reunite with their families,” the report said.

In Kwara, the military said troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued seven kidnap victims during a night patrol around Latandaji in Patigi Local Government Area.

The report said troops deployed at Gada recovered the victims at about 9 p.m. while conducting patrols in the area.

It added that troops of the same operation neutralised one terrorist during an encounter at Alabe Idera in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara.

“The troops, who came under terrorist ambush while on fighting patrol, responded with heavy firepower, forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray.

“The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle magazine containing five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a mobile phone and a solar panel, while one soldier sustained injuries,” the report added.

In the North-East, troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators in separate operations across Borno and neighbouring areas.

The military said troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force, intercepted five female suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at Ngurusoye in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The suspects were found with 65 packs of sweets, 117 packs of biscuits, 167 sachets of salt and other sundry items, according to the report.

“Similarly, troops of 159 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators at Maine checkpoint in Geidam, Yobe, for allegedly providing medical assistance and logistics to wounded terrorists.

“Recovered items included medical supplies, cigarettes, cannabis, mobile phones, identity cards, a voter card, ATM card and ₦11,500.

“In Adamawa, troops of 232 Battalion arrested two suspected ISWAP members at Garaha in Hong LGA and subsequently apprehended another associate.

“The troops recovered a mobile phone, SIM card, bows and arrows, a local sword and four locally fabricated guns.

“Troops also arrested six suspected drug dealers in Damboa, Borno, recovering substances suspected to be marijuana and other hard drugs,” the report said.

In Nasarawa State, troops of 177 Guards Battalion, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, arrested three suspected drug peddlers during a snap check along the Keffi-Abuja Road.

The troops recovered suspected crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as “ice”, and other substances, the report said.

The military also disclosed that troops made gains against improvised explosive devices in Borno State, where two IEDs were detected and safely detonated along strategic routes.

The Defence Headquarters said the latest successes reflected the continued deployment of offensive operations, intelligence-driven patrols, search-and-rescue missions and inter-agency cooperation by troops across the country.