Troops sustain offensive in Bauchi, rescue 13 kidnap victims
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intensified offensive operations in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, resulting in the recovery of arms and the rescue of kidnapped victims.
Sources said that troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, in conjunction with a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), conducted an offensive operation at about 10:30 a.m. on April 10.
The operation, led by the Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig Gen SS. Shehu targeted Auta Kachalla Camp and the Kuka general area in Alkaleri LGA.
Sources said the troops made contact with suspected terrorists and engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to flee.
Items recovered during the operation included one Dane gun, one locally fabricated firearm, five Baofeng radios, a Point of Sale (POS) machine, a mobile phone and a laptop, while several motorcycles were destroyed on site.
In a related development, troops of a combat support infantry battalion deployed at Mansur, alongside Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members, conducted a fighting patrol at about 11:00 a.m. on April 10 following an earlier air strike on terrorist hideouts at Garin Bagobiri on April 9.
During the operation, the troops exploited the area and successfully rescued 13 kidnapped victims.
The rescued victims are currently in military custody for profiling and further necessary action.
The ongoing operations underscore sustained military efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and secure communities in the North-East and adjoining regions.
