The Nigerian Army has rescued at least 11 kidnapped victims and arrested several terror and criminal suspects in coordinated nationwide operations carried out across multiple theatres within the last 24 hours.
In a statement posted on Tuesday via the official Nigerian Army X handle, Nigerian Army said troops recorded “significant operational successes across multiple theatres,” adding that the operations “dealt decisive blows to terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims and disrupted criminal networks.”
In the North-East, troops arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics courier in Ngamdu, Borno State, who reportedly confessed to supporting insurgent activities around Gubio and Magumeri.
The Army said the arrest formed part of its intensified counter-terrorism operations in the region.
Also, in Monguno, troops apprehended two suspected collaborators linked to a terrorist kingpin. According to the Army, items recovered from them included “4 android phones, 3 wristwatches, a power bank, 2 pairs of terrorist uniforms, one mudu of garri, and ₦135,500,” while the suspect’s wife and three children were also taken into custody for further investigation.
Also Read: Shettima visits Borno, condoles Army after deadly attack
In separate operations, troops rescued six kidnapped victims in Bauchi State, with the Army stating that the rescue efforts “reinforced ongoing search-and-rescue operations” across affected communities. In Yobe State, troops intercepted a truck in Nguru, which was “falsely declared as carrying beverages but found loaded with large consignments of medical supplies intended for illicit cross-border movement.”
The Army listed recovered items to include cartons of antibiotics, injections, syrups, bandages, and other pharmaceutical products, while noting that “the driver and three occupants are currently in custody.”
In the North-West, troops in Katsina State arrested a suspected drug peddler in possession of 487 grams of cannabis sativa. In Zamfara State, the Army said troops responding to a distress call “rescued two abducted NDLEA personnel, neutralized threats, and apprehended one terrorist,” adding that the injured personnel have been evacuated for medical attention.
Operations in the North-Central also led to gains in Plateau State, where troops “thwarted cattle rustling attempts, recovering 92 cattle and rescuing an injured herder.”
Two suspects were also arrested with a pistol, ammunition, phones, and cash.
In the Federal Capital Territory, troops raided an illegal mining site and recovered equipment, including pumping machines, shovels, and diggers, while in Rivers State, they uncovered and destroyed illegal refining infrastructure containing thousands of litres of stolen crude and refined products.
In Edo State, troops working with other security agencies also arrested a suspected kidnapper, with the Army saying the operations “reflect enhanced inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-driven engagements” across the country.
Reaffirming its position, the Army said it remains “unwavering in its resolve to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and protect lives and property,” while urging citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
PUNCH
