The Nigerian Army has reported that its troops have, over the past 48 hours, successfully rescued 25 kidnapped individuals and apprehended 10 suspects, including collaborators of bandits, illegal miners, violent extremists, and a suspected arms dealer.
A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday that these achievements resulted from intensified operations conducted nationwide.
“The successes were recorded during coordinated operations across the North East, North West, North Central, and South South theatres,” the source added.
In the North East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai carried out clearance missions around Gargash terrorist clusters in Bama Local Government Area of Borno.
The operations led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, motorbikes, and the destruction of terrorists’ enclaves and farms.
In the North West, forces under Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued three kidnapped victims in Kobbo village, Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi, in response to terrorist activity.
Troops also responded to an attack in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State that left a farmer dead and one civilian abducted.
“In Silame Local Government Area, a suspected arms dealer was arrested after attempting to buy 10 rifles and ammunition from a soldier. Troops recovered 58 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a mobile phone. Troops also confronted violent extremists attempting to cross into Odare Forest in Wase Local Government Area, recovering a loaded magazine, motorbikes, and other items,” the source said.
In the North Central, troops under Operation MESA rescued one of two abducted victims around Ushafa Hills in Bwari Area Council of the FCT and apprehended two suspects, with efforts ongoing to free the remaining hostage.
In Kaduna State, 10 kidnapped individuals were rescued in Sanga Local Government Area, along with the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle and N1.6 million in ransom money. Another team rescued two young herders in Kauru LGA.
Troops under Operation Enduring Peace apprehended two illegal miners in Barkin Ladi and two violent extremists in Jos North during the period.
Meanwhile, forces in Operation Whirl Stroke responded to violent attacks in Benue, which resulted in the death of a herder and the amputation of an 11-year-old boy’s hand by militias.
In Kogi, troops from 12 Brigade, working alongside the ONSA team, intercepted and apprehended two wives of notorious bandit kingpin Batijjo along the Abuja–Koton Karfe highway.
In the South South, troops under Operation Delta Safe rescued nine passengers abducted by sea pirates along the Oron–Ibaka Waterways near the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime border. Additionally, a pipeline vandal was arrested in Rivers State.
“Under Operation UDO KA, troops uncovered a warehouse storing 22 bags of illegally refined AGO, estimated at 600 litres, in Ikot Abasi LGA of Akwa Ibom State,” the source said.
The source concluded that troops across all theatres are conducting aggressive patrols, clearance operations, and intelligence-driven missions aimed at denying criminals freedom of action and ensuring the protection of citizens.
