The Nigerian Army has successfully arrested 11 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and rescued nine kidnapped victims during coordinated nationwide operations conducted within 48 hours.
A source at Army Headquarters in Abuja confirmed on Tuesday that troops also recovered 114 livestock, N1.1 million in cash, a pump-action rifle, four cartridges, petroleum products, and other items linked to criminal activities.
In Borno State, troops of the 149 Battalion apprehended eight suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics suppliers on September 7 in Gubio. Items recovered included 28 jerrycans and a drum of petrol concealed in shops and a POS centre, N145,510 in cash, and five mobile phones.
In Katsina State, 17 Brigade troops foiled a terrorist attack at Gidan Kwairo village, Malumfashi Local Government Area, rescuing five kidnapped victims as assailants fled.
In Ogun State, 9 Brigade troops arrested a dismissed soldier, ex-Lance Corporal Emefik Michael, in Mowe for extorting money from residents while wearing military camouflage. The suspect, 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, apprehended a notorious oil wellhead vandal on September 7 at Okordia, Yenagoa, who was handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.
Similarly, 4 Brigade troops under Operation MESA arrested a suspected militant at Kokotoro Camp, Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State, recovering a pump-action rifle and four live cartridges while destroying the criminals’ camp.
In Taraba State, Operation Enduring Peace troops intercepted two suspects on a motorcycle at Gayam checkpoint, Gashaka Local Government Area, recovering N1 million. Preliminary investigations revealed that a farmer had been murdered on September 6. One suspect escaped, while a motorcycle and mobile phone were recovered and handed to the police.
In Plateau State, troops seized 105 cattle and nine rams grazing without herders in Jwak Metumbi, Mangu Local Government Area. The livestock were secured at the troops’ base while community leaders were contacted to identify the owners for resolution.
In Kaduna, Forward Operating Base Sanga troops foiled a kidnapping attempt at Ungwan Bera village, Sanga Local Government Area, rescuing four victims, including two children. Two victims sustained injuries and were treated at ECWA Private Hospital, Fadan Karshi.
The source reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to denying terrorists and criminals freedom of action across the country and to ensuring the safety of citizens.
