Troops rescue 179 kidnap victims, kill 15 terrorists, arrest IPOB kingpin in nationwide operations
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescue at least 179 kidnapped victims, neutralised no fewer than 15 terrorists and criminal elements, and arrested several suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, drug trafficking and separatist activities in major operational gains across the country.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescue at least 179 kidnapped victims, neutralised no fewer than 15 terrorists and criminal elements, and arrested several suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, drug trafficking and separatist activities in major operational gains across the country.
The military said the successes were achieved through coordinated operations conducted by various joint task forces across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-East and South-South regions.
In a statement on ongoing military operations, Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said troops remained relentless in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities threatening national security.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the achievements underscore the professionalism and determination of the Armed Forces to restore peace and stability nationwide.
It noted that in the South-East, troops of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, intensified operations against members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The military disclosed that on May 26, troops raided Ete Eyinmagwu Village in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN commander identified as Chinedu Opete, popularly known by the alias “Dragon.”
“Another suspect, Amachi Opete, was arrested during the operation.
“Items recovered from the suspects included a military belt and two berets bearing IPOB/ESN insignia.
“The arrest followed earlier operations that led to the apprehension of several IPOB/ESN kingpins and an alleged arms supplier said to be a serving security operative”, the statement read.
The military also revealed that two suspects arrested in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, while allegedly attempting to steal farm produce and abduct female farmers, had been handed over to troops for investigation.
According to the statement, although the suspects claimed they were in the area for illegal oil bunkering activities, military authorities said the circumstances surrounding their arrest contradicted their explanation.
“In the North-East theatre, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded a series of offensives against terrorist elements operating in Borno, Taraba and Yobe states.
“On May 24, troops responding to gunfire in Akate, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, engaged terrorists in a firefight and killed two of them.
“Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition and mobile phones.
“A day later, troops arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator, identified as Alhaji Gambo, during a routine security check in Monguno, Borno State”, the statement added.
Military authorities also reported that continued pressure on terrorist enclaves was forcing members and their relatives to surrender.
“On May 27, a male relative of a suspected terrorist fled the Kimbe enclave in the Mandara Mountains area of Gwoza Local Government Area and surrendered to troops, citing harsh conditions and sustained military offensives within the camp.
“The same day, four persons abducted during an attack on Ngoshe community in March were rescued by Cameroonian forces and handed over to Nigerian troops in Gwoza.
“The victims, comprising one male and three females, were screened, documented and treated before further processing.
“Also on May 27, troops stationed at Lima intercepted a large concentration of terrorists gathering along the Bam-Buratai axis in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State”, the Military said.
It also noted that after engaging the terrorists with indirect fire, a follow-up operation by a Quick Reaction Force discovered the bodies of five neutralised terrorists and recovered 169 rounds of NATO ammunition.
“On May 28, troops working alongside members of the Hunters Group laid an ambush at Kasaicia, along the Damaturu-Buni Yadi Road in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, killing four terrorists and recovering an AK-47 rifle.
The Military also said that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA also recorded successes across Kebbi, Zamfara and Katsina states.
“On May 26, troops and local vigilantes arrested a suspected terrorist attempting to board a vehicle at Tungan Giwa Village in Kebbi State’s Shanga Local Government Area”, it noted..
Military investigators later discovered photographs on the suspect’s memory card allegedly showing members of the Lakurawa terrorist group displaying sophisticated weapons.
“A day later, troops conducting patrols in Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja communities of Zurmi Local Government Area, Zamfara State, engaged terrorists in combat, killing two and recovering fabricated rifles and motorcycles.
“In Katsina State, troops on patrol along Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area killed a suspected terrorist identified as Mallam Mau’re, said to be a foot soldier of a notorious terrorist leader known as Muhammadu Fulani”, it noted.
Meanwhile, troops stationed at Forward Operating Base Bagega rescued 31 kidnapped victims in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to the military, the victims escaped after Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships conducted strikes on terrorist positions west of Bagega Forest.
The military also announced that 148 kidnapped victims, comprising two adult males and 146 women and children, regained their freedom on May 27.
The victims had reportedly spent more than three months in captivity after being abducted from Galma Village in Wamba District of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Investigations indicated that their captors were terrorists operating from the notorious Kuyambana Forest in Zamfara State.
Following their release, the victims were escorted to Bangi, where they were handed over to local authorities for reunification with their families.
The Forces also reported that on May 26, soldiers responded to an attack on Lusuru Village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, forcing the attackers to flee towards River Kaduna.
“Two injured victims were rescued and evacuated to Saint Louis Hospital in Zonkwa for treatment.
“In a separate operation the same day, troops raided a hideout linked to a notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Idi Yaya in Kikoba, Kauru Local Government Area”, it added..
The suspect reportedly attempted to escape but was killed during an exchange of fire with troops.
Military authorities said efforts were ongoing to track and arrest other members of his criminal network.
“Under Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops intensified efforts against drug trafficking networks in Benue State.
“Acting on intelligence from an earlier arrest, troops conducted a follow-up operation in Makurdi on May 23 and impounded a Toyota vehicle belonging to one Akor Ochai Jacob.
