Abuja: The Nigerian Army has announced the successful apprehension of 11 logistics suppliers linked to terrorist groups and the rescue of nine kidnapped victims during a series of operations conducted nationwide over a 48-hour period.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a reliable source from Army Headquarters revealed that the troops seized a significant quantity of items, including 114 livestock, ?1.1 million in cash, one pump action gun, four cartridges, petroleum products, and other materials. The operations saw the arrest of eight suspected logistics suppliers associated with Boko Haram/ISWAP by troops of the 149 Battalion in Gubio, Borno. Additionally, 28 kegs and a drum of petrol, ?145,510 in cash, and five mobile phones were recovered from concealment in shops and a POS center.
In a separate operation in Katsina State, troops from the 17 Brigade thwarted a terrorist attack at Gidan Kwairo village, Malumfashi Local Government Area, rescuing five kidnapped victims as the terrorists retreated. The source also reported the arrest of a dismissed soldier, Ex-Lance Cpl. Emefik Michael, in Mowe, Ogun, by troops of the 9 Brigade for allegedly extorting locals while in military camouflage. The former soldier, who was dismissed in 2017, has been handed over to the police for prosecution.
In collaboration with the NSCDC and a private security firm, troops from the 5 Battalion apprehended a notorious oil wellhead vandal at Okordia in Yenagoa, Bayelsa. The suspect has been turned over to the Department of State Services for further investigation. In a related development, troops of IV Brigade under Operation MESA arrested a suspected militant at Kokotoro Camp in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo. A pump action rifle and four live cartridges were seized, and the criminals' camp was destroyed.
In Taraba, the military source detailed how troops of Operation Enduring Peace intercepted two suspects on a motorcycle at Gayam checkpoint in Gashaka Local Government Area with one million naira. One suspect managed to escape, but it was later discovered that a farmer had been murdered on Sept. 6, with his cash stolen. Recovered items included a motorcycle and a mobile phone, which have been handed over to the police for investigation.
The operations extended to Plateau, where troops of Operation EP seized 105 cattle and nine rams found grazing on farmland at Jwak Metumbi in Mangu Local Government Area without herders. The livestock were secured, and community leaders have been contacted to facilitate an amicable resolution regarding ownership.
In Kaduna State, troops from the Forward Operating Base Sanga successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt at Ungwan Bera village in Sanga Local Government Area. The criminals fled, leaving behind four victims, including two children, who were safely rescued. Two of the victims sustained injuries and received medical treatment at ECWA Private Hospital, Fadan Karshi.
The source reiterated the Nigerian Army's commitment to maintaining operations aimed at restricting criminal activities and ensuring security across the nation.