Nigerian troops have rescued nine kidnapped victims in Niger State and apprehended 20 suspected criminals in Plateau State as part of ongoing military operations across the country.
The development was contained in an operational report on military activities carried out on Wednesday and Thursday, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.
According to the report, troops of the NATRAC Administrative Battalion, operating under Operation Savannah Shield, rescued the nine kidnap victims at Forward Operating Base Kotonkoro in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The victims were rescued following offensive operations by the troops and were subsequently handed over to the Mariga authorities for reunification with their families.
In Plateau State, troops of Sector One, Operation Enduring Peace, apprehended 20 suspected criminals comprising 16 males and four females.
The suspects were arrested around the Hamas Terminus and Congo Russia areas of Jos North Local Government Area and were later handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
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The military also reported an encounter between troops of Operation Savannah Shield and terrorists along the Shambo-Warari Road in Rijau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to the report, the squad fought through an ambush by the terrorists, forcing them to abandon a motorcycle and flee the area after coming under military fire. A military vehicle reportedly sustained a damaged tyre during the encounter.
In Adamawa State, troops of the 247 Recce Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mubi North and Mubi South Local Government Areas.
The report further disclosed that two Boko Haram fighters, their wives and an infant surrendered to squad in Gwoza, Borno State.
The fighters reportedly surrendered with two AK-47 rifles and 20 rounds of ammunition, adding to ongoing efforts by security forces to weaken terrorist networks and encourage the surrender of insurgents in the region.
The military said the operations form part of its continuing efforts to protect communities, disrupt criminal activities and restore peace in affected areas.
