The Nigerian Army has reported a series of successful operations across the country, including the rescue of 10 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and the neutralization of 16 terrorists. According to an operational report made available on Thursday, the troops of Operation UDO KA rescued the 10 NYSC members abducted in Imo. The victims were kidnapped from two commercial buses by suspected kidnappers along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Mbaise Local Government Area.
The rescue operation was carried out by troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, who responded to a kidnap incident at Umonuwa village at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday. The troops were assisted by personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, and Department of State Services. They are currently trailing the criminals to rescue the remaining victims. Meanwhile, terrorists launched simultaneous attacks on troops of 226 Battalion and 232 Battalion in Adamawa State.
The attacks occurred at about 1 a.m. on Thursday, with the terrorists targeting the troops at Garkida, Gombi Local Government Area, and Garaha, Hong Local Government Area. However, the troops repelled the attacks, forcing the terrorists to flee towards Garkida on motorcycles. The Nigerian Army’s Spartan element subsequently trailed and conducted strikes on the fleeing terrorists, neutralizing 16 of them.
The troops also recovered several weapons, including three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one Dane gun, and six AK-47 magazines, alongside some cartridges. The troops are currently conducting follow-up operations and reorganizing their defensive locations. In another operation, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE responded to a suspected terrorist attack on Gwamagira settlement in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba.
The attackers, operating on motorcycles, were engaged by troops and forced to retreat, abandoning rustled cattle. The troops recovered the cattle and returned them to their owners, but the attackers had killed one civilian and abducted three others. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
In the North-East, troops of Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI, arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist at Babbangida, Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe. The suspect, who claimed to be an Islamic cleric operating in the Sahara area of the Niger Republic, was arrested at about 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 29. Preliminary investigation indicated that he travelled by truck from the Zarmadu-Sahara general area of Niger Republic into Nigeria before proceeding to Borno.
The troops recovered several items from the suspect, including a mobile phone, prayer mat, blanket, jacket, slate, detergent, and N396,200. Additionally, troops of Sector 4, in conjunction with Rangers and Hybrid Forces, arrested four suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol in parts of Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa. The Nigerian Army has reported several successful operations in recent weeks, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining security across the country.
Key points
- Troops rescue 10 NYSC members abducted in Imo
- 16 terrorists neutralized in Adamawa State
- Suspected ISWAP terrorist arrested in Yobe State
