Nigerian Army rescues 11 kidnap victims, neutralises terrorists in nationwide operations
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued 11 kidnap victims and recorded several operational successes against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups in coordinated operations across the country within the last 24 hours.
The Army troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, in a joint operation with sister services and security agencies, raided the hideout of a notorious IPOB/ESN kingpin, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, also known as Gentle de Yahoo, at Aku-Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo.
He said that although no contact was made, troops recovered one English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one cartridge, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, and a German flag.
He added that troops also uncovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the scene.
According to him, troops also rescued five kidnapped victims in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa and another five at Kukasheka Ward in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina. Two other victims were rescued in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi.
Army said soldiers neutralised two terrorists in separate encounters in Katsina, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a motorcycle.
“In Benue, troops neutralised one violent extremist and recovered a mobile phone and assorted charms, while 11 suspects were arrested in different locations across Benue, Kogi and Kaduna States for armed robbery, gunrunning and violent extremist activities.
“Troops also recovered 40 rustled cattle in Plateau and returned them to their rightful owners,” he said.
The army attributed the operational successes to sustained collaboration between the Nigerian Army, sister services and other security agencies.
The Army reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to sustaining the tempo of operations to create a safe and secure environment that would enhance agricultural activities in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to food security.
