By Peter Omopo
The Nigerian Army says its troops have arrested 11 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and rescued nine kidnapped victims in a series of operations conducted across the country within 48 hours.
A senior military source confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja that the operations also led to the recovery of 114 livestock, ₦1.1 million cash, a pump-action rifle, four cartridges, petroleum products, and other items.
In Borno State, troops of the 149 Battalion in Gubio arrested eight suspected suppliers of Boko Haram and ISWAP on September 7. Items recovered included 28 jerrycans and a drum of petrol hidden in shops and a POS centre, ₦145,510 in cash, and five mobile phones.
In Katsina State, troops of the 17 Brigade foiled a terrorist attack in Gidan Kwairo village, Malumfashi Local Government Area, rescuing five kidnap victims after the attackers fled.
In Ogun State, troops of the 9 Brigade arrested a dismissed soldier, ex-Lance Corporal Emefik Michael, for allegedly extorting money from residents in Mowe while wearing military camouflage. He was dismissed from service in 2017 and has been handed over to the police.
In Bayelsa, troops of the 5 Battalion, working with the NSCDC and a private security outfit, apprehended a notorious oil wellhead vandal at Okordia, Yenagoa. The suspect was transferred to the DSS for further investigation.
In Edo State, troops of the 4 Brigade under Operation MESA arrested a suspected militant at Kokotoro Camp, Ovia South-West. A pump-action rifle and four live cartridges were recovered, and the camp was destroyed.
In Taraba State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace intercepted two suspects on a motorcycle at Gayam checkpoint, Gashaka Local Government Area, with ₦1 million cash. One suspect escaped, but investigations linked the money to the killing of a farmer on September 6. A motorcycle and mobile phone were also recovered.
In Plateau State, troops seized 105 cattle and nine rams grazing on farmlands in Jwak Metumbi, Mangu Local Government Area, without herders. The livestock were moved to the troops’ base while community leaders were contacted to identify the owners.
In Kaduna State, troops of the Forward Operating Base Sanga foiled a kidnap attempt at Ungwan Bera village, rescuing four victims, including two children. Two of the victims sustained injuries and were taken to ECWA Private Hospital, Fadan Karshi, for treatment.
The military source reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining nationwide operations to deny terrorists, bandits, and other criminals freedom of action.
