The Nigerian Army has rescued 16 kidnapped victims, arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and informants, and recovered arms, ammunition and other items during separate operations across the country.
In an operational update on activities recorded within the last 24 hours, the army said troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested a suspected female ISWAP informant and logistics supplier in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspect was intercepted while allegedly attempting to return to her husband in the Sava terrorist enclave within the Sambisa Forest. A mobile phone and other personal effects were recovered from her.
In Kaduna State, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA repelled a terrorist ambush on personnel of the 2 Nigerian Mobile Force at Abrom village in Kachia Local Government Area.
The troops successfully fought off the attackers, forcing them to flee. An AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 50 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered during the operation.
In Sokoto State, troops rescued 16 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Shagari and Gandi Local Government Areas.
The first operation at Wanke and Kaura villages led to the rescue of six victims after the kidnappers abandoned them while escaping from advancing troops. Two motorcycles belonging to the fleeing suspects were also recovered.
In a separate operation at Badanma village, troops engaged the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon 10 other victims, who were rescued unharmed.
Troops also intercepted a white bus transporting 10 motorcycles along the Biu-Kangiwa Road in Kebbi State. Preliminary investigations revealed that the motorcycles were being conveyed to a suspected terrorist identified as Mallam Gehowa in Amogoro.
Four suspected terrorist logistics suppliers were arrested and handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.
In Taraba State, troops of Operation MESA arrested a suspected criminal along Dema Road in Donga Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the suspect included 29 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three mobile phones, a power bank and N160,000 cash. The suspect reportedly confessed to purchasing the ammunition from another individual.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recovered rustled cattle after engaging suspected terrorists in Wase Local Government Area.
The troops also raided a suspected drug den in Saya village, Bassa Local Government Area, where four suspected drug dealers were arrested.
Recovered items included eight cutlasses, six knives, cannabis and other illicit substances.
The troops further responded to an armed robbery incident along the Mararaba Jama’a highway, where the body of a victim with gunshot wounds was recovered.
They also intervened in Pankshin Local Government Area following the killing of a farmer during a dispute allegedly involving herders. The incident triggered reprisals, forcing fleeing herders to abandon 15 cattle, which have been taken into police custody.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency, recovered an AK-47 rifle and a magazine during a follow-up raid on the residence of a suspected militia member in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
