The Nigerian Army has conducted a series of successful operations across the country, rescuing 24 kidnapped victims and arresting 14 suspects within a 24-hour period. The operations, which took place in various states, including Kaduna, Kogi, Edo, and Nasarawa, were carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army. The rescued victims were kidnapped by terrorists and bandits, who were thwarted by the swift intervention of the soldiers.
In Kaduna State, troops of the 312 Army Reconnaissance Battalion responded to an attack on a civilian and his family at a farm in Kankomi, Chikun Local Government Area. The soldiers engaged the attackers, who were reportedly riding two motorcycles and armed with AK-47 rifles. The intervention forced the terrorists to abandon a woman and her son whom they had kidnapped. The victims were rescued without injuries and reunited with the woman's husband.
In Kogi State, troops of the 21 Battalion, working with vigilantes, rescued two kidnap victims from Ojoto Forest in Dekina Local Government Area. The victims had reportedly been abducted on September 23 along the Abocho-Ajegwuwa-Dekina road. The Army said the victims were located and rescued after troops conducted operations in the forest. The successful operation was a result of collaboration between the Army and local vigilantes.
In Edo State, troops of the 322 Army Reconnaissance Battalion, supported by the police and vigilantes, confronted suspected kidnappers at a ransom collection point in Ewu-Esan, Esan Central Local Government Area. The Army said the intervention forced the kidnappers to abandon two victims, who had suffered machete injuries. The victims were administered first aid and evacuated to hospital, but one subsequently died en route due to the severity of his injuries.
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued 18 passengers allegedly abducted from an 18-seater Yankari Express bus along the Akwanga-Andaha road in Nasarawa State. The soldiers reportedly pursued the kidnappers, who abandoned the passengers and fled into the surrounding area. The rescued passengers were subsequently allowed to continue their journey, while security forces intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In addition to the rescue operations, the Army also recovered approximately 800 cattle allegedly rustled by terrorists in the Kingkis area of Wase Local Government Area in Plateau State. The troops engaged the suspected terrorists, forcing them to abandon the cattle and flee into the forest. The recovered cattle were handed over to their rightful owners.
The Army also made several arrests and recovered various items, including firearms, explosives, and stolen crude oil. In Adamawa State, troops arrested two suspects during a raid on Maki village, while in Borno, troops apprehended a suspected terrorist logistics supplier. In Rivers State, troops arrested three suspected oil thieves transporting stolen crude oil.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army rescued 24 kidnapped victims and arrested 14 suspects in 24 hours.
- The operations took place in various states, including Kaduna, Kogi, Edo, and Nasarawa.
- The Army also recovered approximately 800 rustled cattle and foiled suspected terrorist attacks.
