Army decimate terror enclaves, arrest 20, rescue kidnap victims

Army decimate terror enclaves, arrest 20, rescue kidnap victims

In a series of high-intensity operations conducted over the last 24 hours, the Nigerian Army has decimated criminal networks across the country.

The operations led to the arrest of 20 high-profile suspects, recovery of an AK-47 rifle with specialized ammunition and the rescue of nine kidnapped victims.

The synchronized strikes were conducted across the North East, North West and North Central theatres, the Army said in a statement on Sunday.

It added that the high-intensity operations have effectively disrupted terrorist logistics chains and denied breathing space for the criminals.

In the North East, elite troops of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, acting on actionable intelligence, launched a surgical cordon-and-search operation at Ngurosoye Village in Bama, Borno State.

The Army said the operation led to the arrest of 14 suspects, including individuals linked to a notorious kidnapper,  Baba Ali, while significant logistics, including bags of fertilizers used for improvised explosives, were seized.

Also, a combined force in Marte LGA, Borno State, forced a group of insurgents to flee their positions, abandoning bicycles and essential supplies during an encounter.

The Army added that the operation in the North West by troops of the 4 Demo and 2 Battalions successfully intercepted cattle rustlers and terrorists, forcing them to abandon 96 herd of livestock at Pan Daudu and Kuyello in Kaduna State.

“Most significantly, troops engaged terrorists at Layin Dan Auta, successfully rescuing three kidnapped victims who have since been reunited with their families, proving the Army’s rapid response capability.”

Meanwhile, iin the North Central theatre, Sector 1 of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) has delivered a heavy blow to human traffickers and armed gangs in Benue State following a targeted raid in Gwer West, which led to the rescue of six victims and the apprehension of a suspected trafficker.

The Army said a fierce patrol in Guma LGA in Benue resulted in the arrest of three terrorists and the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition effectively disarming a dangerous cell.

It reaffirmed its resolve to securing the lives and property of all citizens, and urged the general public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security operations with vital and timely information.

“Together, we are building a safer Nigeria, where peace and progress are guaranteed for all,” the Army emphasised.