The Nigerian Army says its troops arrested 11 suspected logistics suppliers for terrorists and rescued nine kidnapped victims in a series of coordinated operations across the country within 48 hours.
A senior military source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja that the operations also led to the recovery of ₦1.1 million in cash, 114 livestock, a pump-action rifle, four cartridges, petroleum products, and other items.
According to the source, eight suspected suppliers of Boko Haram/ISWAP were arrested on Sept. 7 by troops of 149 Battalion in Gubio, Borno State. The troops also uncovered 28 jerrycans and a drum of petrol concealed in shops and a POS centre, alongside ₦145,510 and five mobile phones.
In Katsina State, soldiers of 17 Brigade foiled a terrorist attack in Gidan Kwairo village, Malumfashi LGA, rescuing five hostages as the attackers fled. Similarly, troops of 9 Brigade arrested a dismissed soldier, Ex-Lance Corporal Emefik Michael, in Mowe, Ogun, for allegedly extorting residents while wearing military camouflage. He has since been handed over to police for prosecution.
Troops also made breakthroughs in the Niger Delta. In Bayelsa, 5 Battalion, in collaboration with NSCDC and a private security group, arrested a notorious oil wellhead vandal at Okordia, Yenagoa, handing him over to the DSS for further investigation. In Edo, IV Brigade under Operation MESA apprehended a suspected militant at Kokotoro Camp in Ovia South-West, recovering a pump-action rifle and cartridges before destroying the camp.
Elsewhere, in Taraba, soldiers under Operation Enduring Peace intercepted two men at Gayam checkpoint in Gashaka LGA with ₦1 million. One suspect escaped, but investigations revealed the money belonged to a farmer murdered on Sept. 6. A motorcycle and mobile phone were recovered.
In Plateau, troops seized 105 cattle and nine rams grazing illegally on farmlands in Jwak Metumbi, Mangu LGA. The animals were moved to the military base while community leaders were asked to identify their owners.
In Kaduna, soldiers from Forward Operating Base Sanga thwarted a kidnap attempt at Ungwan Bera village, rescuing four victims, including two children. Two of them sustained injuries and were taken to ECWA Private Hospital in Fadan Karshi.
The Army source reiterated the military’s determination to sustain pressure on criminal groups nationwide and deny them freedom of action.