Troops rescue 13 kidnap victims, foil attacks in Zamfara, Edo

Troops deployed across various theatres of operation rescued 13 kidnapped victims, foiled terrorist and kidnapping attacks, and arrested a suspected militia member in coordinated operations across Zamfara, Edo, Taraba and Plateau states.

The operational reports made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday indicated that the operations were conducted under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Operation MESA and Operation ENDURING PEACE.

In Zamfara, it said the troops of 1 Brigade under Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued five kidnapped victims from a deserted kidnappers’ camp at Tungan Kudaduku in Anka Local Government Area (LGA).

The report said the victims were rescued at about 9:50 p.m. on Monday during a clearance operation at the suspected criminal hideout.

It added that troops also repelled a terrorist attack on Bukkuyum town in Bukkuyum LGA at about 3:10 a.m., neutralising one terrorist during the encounter.

In Edo, troops of 322 Artillery Regiment, working with the police and local vigilantes, foiled a kidnap attempt at Olelo Community in Esan West LGA.

The troops rescued three kidnapped victims after engaging the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle.

The report said two suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while three AK-47 rifles, 39 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three mobile phones and two power banks were recovered.

“In Taraba, troops of 93 Battalion, in conjunction with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), arrested a suspected militia member at Bantaje in Wukari LGA.

“The suspect allegedly belonged to a militia syndicate linked to several abductions and recent attacks around Chanchanji in Takum LGA.

“Items recovered from the suspect included one motorcycle, three mobile phones and ₦93,200 cash, among other exhibits,” it said.

The report, however, disclosed that suspected criminals abducted two students, an invigilator and the principal of Government Secondary School, Ollowa Opada, in Dekina LGA of Kogi.

It said troops, reinforced by other security agencies, had launched pursuit operations to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.

On the Plateau, the report said the troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE foiled a kidnap attempt at Agingi Village in Bassa LGA and rescued one victim who sustained gunshot wounds.

According to the report, the victim was evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment.

It added that troops also foiled a terrorist attack on Tanjol Community in Riyom LGA.

The report added that troops recovered and handed over the body of a civilian reportedly killed by unidentified criminals at Gwom Village in Riyom LGA to community leaders for burial.
NAN