Nigerian Army troops..
In a series of coordinated operations across Nigeria over a 48-hour period, the Nigerian Army apprehended 11 individuals suspected of supplying logistics to terrorists and rescued nine kidnapped victims.
This is according to a reliable source at Army Headquarters who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
The operations also led to the recovery of ₦1.1 million in cash, 114 livestock, a pump action gun, four cartridges, petroleum products, and other items.
In Borno’s Gubio area, troops from the 149 Battalion arrested eight suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics suppliers on July 7. “The troops confiscated 28 jerrycans and a drum of petrol hidden in shops and a POS center, along with ₦145,510 in cash and five mobile phones,” the source revealed.
In Katsina’s Malumfashi Local Government Area, soldiers from the 17 Brigade thwarted a terrorist attack in Gidan Kwairo village, rescuing five hostages as the assailants fled. Meanwhile, in Ogun’s Mowe area, troops from the 9 Brigade detained Ex-Lance Corporal Emefik Michael, a dismissed soldier, on September 7 for allegedly extorting civilians while wearing military camouflage. “The suspect, discharged from service in 2017, has been handed over to the police for prosecution,” the source confirmed.
In Bayelsa’s Okordia, Yenagoa, a joint operation involving the 5 Battalion, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and a private security outfit led to the arrest of a notorious oil wellhead vandal on September 7. The suspect was transferred to the Department of State Services for further investigation.
In Edo, the IV Brigade, under Operation MESA, apprehended a suspected militant at Kokotoro Camp in Ovia South-West Local Government Area. “A pump action rifle and four live cartridges were seized, and the criminals’ camp was dismantled,” the source noted.
In Taraba’s Gashaka Local Government Area, troops from Operation Enduring Peace intercepted two suspects on a motorcycle at Gayam checkpoint carrying ₦1 million. One suspect escaped, but investigations revealed the money was stolen from a farmer murdered on September 6. “The troops also recovered a motorcycle and a mobile phone, which will be handed over to the police,” the source added.
In Plateau’s Mangu Local Government Area, troops from Operation EP confiscated 105 cattle and nine rams found grazing on farmland at Jwak Metumbi without herders. “The livestock were relocated to the troops’ base, and community leaders were engaged to identify the owners for a peaceful resolution,” the source stated.
In Kaduna’s Sanga Local Government Area, soldiers from Forward Operating Base Sanga foiled a kidnapping attempt at Ungwan Bera village, rescuing four victims, including two children. “Two of the victims sustained injuries and were rushed to ECWA Private Hospital, Fadan Karshi,” the source reported.
The Army Headquarters source emphasized the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to continue operations aimed at curbing criminal activities and ensuring safety across the nation. (NAN)
