Army Arrests 11 Terror Suspects, Rescues 9 Kidnap Victims in Nationwide Raids

The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of 11 terrorist logistics suppliers and the rescue of nine kidnapped victims during a series of nationwide operations carried out within 48 hours.

A reliable source at the Army Headquarters in Abuja confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that troops also recovered 114 livestock, ₦1.1 million in cash, a pump-action rifle, four cartridges, petroleum products, and other items.

In Borno State, soldiers of 149 Battalion arrested eight suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics suppliers in Gubio on September 7. Seized items included 28 jerrycans and a drum of petrol hidden in shops and a POS centre, ₦145,510 in cash, and five mobile phones.

Troops of 17 Brigade, operating in Katsina State, foiled a terrorist attack on Gidan Kwairo village in Malumfashi Local Government Area, rescuing five kidnapped victims after the attackers fled.

In Ogun State, 9 Brigade troops apprehended a dismissed soldier, ex-Lance Corporal Emefik Michael, who was allegedly extorting residents while dressed in military camouflage. He has since been handed over to the police for prosecution.

Elsewhere, in Bayelsa State, troops of 5 Battalion, working with the NSCDC and a private security outfit, arrested a notorious oil wellhead vandal in Okordia, Yenagoa. The suspect was transferred to the DSS for further investigation.

Troops of 4 Brigade under Operation MESA also raided Kokotoro Camp in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State, where a suspected militant was captured. A pump-action rifle and four cartridges were recovered before the camp was destroyed.

In Taraba, troops of Operation Enduring Peace intercepted two suspects at Gayam checkpoint in Gashaka LGA with ₦1 million in cash. One suspect escaped, but investigations linked the money to the murder and robbery of a farmer on September 6.

In Plateau State, soldiers seized 105 cattle and nine rams found grazing on farmlands in Jwak Metumbi, Mangu LGA, without herders. Community leaders were contacted to identify the owners.

Similarly, troops at Forward Operating Base Sanga in Kaduna foiled a kidnap attempt in Ungwan Bera village, rescuing four victims, including two children. Two sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustained operations to deny terrorists and criminal groups freedom of action across Nigeria.