The Nigerian Army has reported several successful operations against terrorists and kidnappers across the country. In one of the operations, troops of 222 Battalion intercepted 43 family members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at Kawuri, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno. Preliminary investigation revealed that the group escaped from terrorist captivity in Yuwe during clashes between JAS and ISWAP terrorists.
The intercepted individuals were subsequently handed over to 7 Multinational Intervention Brigade for further action. Additionally, troops of 192 Battalion intercepted a female ISWAP terrorist family member along the Gwoza-Limankara road in Gwoza Local Government Area. She escaped from a terrorist enclave in Chikide, on the Mandara Mountains. These operations demonstrate the military's continued efforts to disrupt terrorist activities.
In another operation, troops of 1 Brigade rescued five kidnapped victims, including the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara, from suspected terrorists' captivity. The victims were rescued at a suspected terrorist camp around Sekpore village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, after troops established blocking positions around Sekpore and Sabon Gari. Several other victims escaped during the operation.
The report also indicated that one of the rescued victims was reunited with his family, while the others were evacuated to 1 Brigade Medical Centre for medical attention. The victims had recently been relocated from Abaniyawa terrorist camp following military pressure. Troops also responded to a terrorist attack on a vehicle along the Gusau-Sokoto road and rescued four civilian occupants.
In Borno, troops of 149 Battalion and Civilian Joint Task Force arrested a suspected kidnapper at Gubio town and recovered an AK-47 rifle. The suspect led troops to Ardimini village, where they recovered an AK-47 magazine loaded with 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Additionally, troops of 159 Task Force Battalion and Nigerian Forest Guards arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator at Geidam market.
Further operations led to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers along the Otukpo-Makurdi road in Benue and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle. Troops also arrested a suspected gunrunner at Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area, as well as two suspected impostors in Benue and Taraba. In Edo, troops destroyed two cannabis farms and arrested four suspects.
The Nigerian Army's operations reflect its continued efforts to combat terrorism and kidnapping across the country. The military has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. The operations also highlight the military's commitment to collaborating with other agencies to tackle insecurity.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army intercepted 43 ISWAP family members and rescued 9 kidnapped victims in separate operations.
- The operations led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers and collaborators, and the recovery of several weapons and ammunition.
- The military's efforts aim to disrupt terrorist activities and enhance security across the country.
