Army Rescues Seven Kidnap Victims, Arrests Nine Suspects, Recovers Arms In Five States

Nigerian Army troops have recorded a series of operational successes across five states and the Federal Capital Territory, rescuing seven kidnapped victims, arresting nine suspects and recovering firearms, ammunition and other items linked to terrorist and criminal activities.

The operations, carried out by troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Guards Brigade and other Army formations, took place in Taraba, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kebbi and the FCT.

In Taraba State, troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE raided a suspected terrorist hideout in Peva, Takum Local Government Area, in the early hours of Thursday, September 3.

Although the suspected bandit leader reportedly escaped before the troops arrived, five of his alleged associates were arrested following a search of the area.

The troops recovered two AK-47 magazines, 46 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a woodland camouflage jacket and jungle hat, as well as four charm vests and assorted charms.

In Zamfara State, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA ambushed terrorists moving from the Fakai general area towards Kwanar Jolof and Tashar Dole in Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas.

Several terrorists were reportedly neutralised during the operation, while troops recovered an RPG launcher, an RPG bomb, an AK-47 rifle, six AK-47 magazines, 106 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle.

In Kaduna State, troops operating a snap checkpoint along the Saulawa-Zaria Road intercepted a vehicle for inspection.

The Army said a passenger resisted the search and attempted to escape but was neutralised. A subsequent search of his bag allegedly uncovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed in gari.

The vehicle and its driver were taken into military custody for further investigation.

In the Federal Capital Territory, troops of the Guards Brigade and Army Headquarters Garrison rescued Mrs Adonkie, wife of retired Brigadier General Basil Adonkie, who was abducted from her residence on September 1.

Acting on intelligence, the troops pursued the kidnappers through the Aco Estate-Goza Community axis, forcing them to abandon the victim at Angwan Sabo Village.

A follow-up operation on September 2 resulted in the arrest of two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate near Gaube Village in Kuje Area Council.

The troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, while operations to track down other members of the syndicate continued.

Meanwhile, in Kebbi State, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued six kidnapped victims along the Wasagu-Ayu Road in Wasagu Local Government Area after engaging terrorists operating in the area.

The Army said the troops’ swift response forced the terrorists to flee, abandoning their victims, who were rescued unharmed and handed over to relevant community authorities.

The latest operations underscore the Nigerian Army’s continued offensive against terrorist and criminal networks across the country, with troops targeting armed groups, disrupting the movement of weapons and ammunition and rescuing kidnapped victims.

The Army said clearance and intelligence-led operations would continue in the affected areas to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action.