Troops rescue 11 kidnap victims, arrest 21 suspects

Troops have rescued 11 kidnapped victims and arrested 21 suspected terrorists, collaborators, logistics suppliers, and drug peddlers during coordinated operations across Borno, Zamfara, and Kogi states.

This was disclosed in operational reports made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

According to the reports, the operations conducted under Operation HADIN KAI, Operation Fansan Yamma, and Operation MESA between July 21 and 22—also led to the discovery and destruction of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by terrorists.

The Nigerian Army said troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested three suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers around New Abbaram Resettlement Village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Recovered items included 3.5 litres of groundnut oil, kola nuts, salt, and 76 sachets of coconut flavouring believed to be meant for terrorists.

The Army further disclosed that troops received two teenage girls who escaped from the Grazah terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains and surrendered in Gwoza.

According to the report, troops also discovered and safely detonated two primed IEDs planted along the Dambua–Bulabulin–Kumala road, targeting both security personnel and commuters.

“Similarly, troops encountered another booby-trap IED along the Cross Kauwa-Kekeno-Monguno road, while fragments were recovered for further forensic analysis.

“In Monguno, troops arrested 12 suspected drug peddlers during raids on criminal hideouts, recovering quantities of cannabis, tramadol and other illicit substances,” it said.

The reports further indicated that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma engaged terrorists along the Gambada–Gummi–Sokoto road in Zamfara State, forcing them to flee and abandon 11 kidnapped victims, as well as a motorcycle.

In Kogi State, troops arrested a suspected terrorist informant who reportedly confessed to working for a notorious kingpin identified as Kachallah Babangida.

The report added that security forces also apprehended three suspected terrorists during separate operations in Adavi and Lokoja Local Government Areas.

“Additionally, troops arrested two suspected logistics couriers transporting food items, drinks and cigarettes allegedly meant for terrorists operating within the state,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Army said search operations were ongoing to rescue two persons abducted by gunmen in Owo, Ondo State. Troops also recovered a bicycle and bags of charcoal abandoned by a fleeing logistics supplier.

The military noted that the operations demonstrate ongoing efforts by the Armed Forces to dismantle terrorist logistics networks, rescue kidnapped victims, and restrict the movement of criminal elements across various operational areas.