Troops raid terrorist hideouts, rescue 39 victims, arrest collaborators

Nigerian troops have rescued 39 kidnapped victims, neutralised a terrorist and arrested several suspected terrorist collaborators and criminals in coordinated operations nationwide.

The military operational updates made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja, said the successes were recorded across the theatres of operation between Aug. 17 and Aug. 19.

The report said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 14 kidnapped victims after intercepting terrorists moving through Madaci Forest in Sabuwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.

It said the victims, comprising six males and eight females, were abducted from different locations in Dandume, Bakori and Funtua areas of the state.

The report also revealed that troops rescued two abducted victims with gunshot wounds at Kwanoni Village in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara, after responding swiftly 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,” it said.

In Kwara, the report said troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD also rescued seven kidnap victims during a night patrol around Latandaji in Patigi LGA.

It added that troops, deployed at Gada, recovered the victims at about 9 p.m. while conducting patrols in the area.

According to the report, troops of the same operation neutralised one terrorist during an encounter at Alabe Idera in Ifelodun LGA 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,” it added.

The report further revealed that troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators in separate operations across Borno.

It said the troops of 151 Task Force Battalion and Civilian Joint Task Force intercepted five female suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at Ngurusoye in Bama LGA.

It added that troops also recovered 65 packs of sweets, 117 packs of biscuits, 167 sachets of salt and other sundry items from the suspects.

“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, the report said the troops of 177 Guards Battalion, working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, arrested three suspected drug peddlers during a snap check along the Keffi-Abuja Road.

It added that troops recovered suspected crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as “ice”, and other substances.

“The troops also made significant gains against improvised explosive devices in Borno, safely detecting and detonating two IEDs along strategic routes.

“The operational successes came as troops sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven patrols, search-and-rescue missions and inter-agency collaboration across the various theatres,” it added.
NAN