The Nigerian Army has reported a significant breakthrough in its nationwide operations against insecurity, rescuing 46 kidnapped victims and neutralising a suspected militia member within a 24-hour period. According to an operational report obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), troops across various locations engaged terrorist groups, disrupting their activities and recovering firearms. These operations underscore the military's commitment to tackling the growing insecurity challenges across the country.
In Zamfara, troops of Combat Team 7 responded to terrorist activities around Fegen Baza and Setraco Company in Tsafe Local Government Area. The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon 41 civilians and withdraw towards adjoining farmlands. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the vehicles assaulted was reportedly travelling from Senegal to Kano State. The swift intervention by the troops prevented further harm to the kidnapped victims.
The Nigerian Army also conducted successful operations in Kebbi, where troops of 223 Battalion operating from Forward Operating Base Bena responded to information on terrorists moving with suspected kidnapped victims around Sawade village, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area. The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee towards Dan Lai Forest and abandon two kidnapped victims. The victims were subsequently rescued and handed over to the District Head of Bena for further action.
Further operations were carried out in Niger, where troops of 45 Battalion and vigilantes, during a fighting patrol around Alabani village, Mariga Local Government Area, engaged terrorists and forced them to abandon kidnapped victims. One vigilante sustained a gunshot wound but was reported to be in stable condition. Additionally, in Anambra, troops of 185 Battalion, in conjunction with the Department of State Services (DSS) and vigilantes, rescued three civilians kidnapped at Osaukwa Bridge, Ihiala Local Government Area.
The Nigerian Army's operations also targeted alleged terrorist camps and illegal arms stores. In Anambra, troops of Operation UDO KA conducted an offensive operation against an alleged Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) camp at Ugbene, Awka North Local Government Area. The operation, supported by troops of 197 Special Forces Battalion, Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service, and DSS, with close air support, resulted in the engagement of suspected terrorists.
In other parts of the country, the army reported successes in Plateau, Taraba, and Delta. In Plateau, troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) engaged suspected militias at Rugan Jallo following an earlier attack on three women along Rakung road, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, neutralising one suspected militia member and recovering two motorcycles. In Taraba, troops raided an illegal arms store, seizing various firearms and ammunition. In Delta, a suspected criminal carrying a firearm was arrested along the Issele-Asaba road.
The Nigerian Army has continued to bolster its presence in various regions, with the operationalisation of 12 and 28 Infantry Battalions at Bakura and Anka Local Government Areas of Zamfara on September 28. The Acting Commander, 1 Brigade, who represented the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, charged the troops to remain steadfast in combating insecurity within their area of responsibility. These efforts demonstrate the military's ongoing commitment to enhancing security and stability across Nigeria.
Key points
- 46 kidnapped victims rescued within 24 hours
- Troops neutralise suspected militia member, recover firearms
- Operations conducted across multiple states, including Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Anambra, Plateau, Taraba, and Delta
