Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 54 terror and criminal suspects and rescued nine kidnapped victims in various operations across the country within the last 24 hours.
A credible source at Army Headquarters said on Wednesday that the operations also resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition, rustled livestock, and the destruction of illegal bunkering sites.
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled an attack by Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP)/Boko Haram fighters at Ngirboa Bridge in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe.
The source added that a family member of ISWAP terrorists surrendered to troops of 192 Battalion in Gwoza Local Government Area after fleeing Kunde village on the Mandara Mountains in Borno.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued eight kidnapped victims at Tungar Miragumi and Zugu villages in Bukkuyum axis of Zamfara, and recovered 21 sheep during a counter–rustling operation in Anka.
They also recovered 143 rustled sheep in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto and destroyed a terrorist camp. One terrorist was killed during an encounter in Sabuwa, Katsina State.
“Troops of the Forward Operating Base in Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara killed six terrorists in an encounter,” the source said.
In the South West, troops of Operation MESA, working with other security agencies, arrested 10 suspected internet fraudsters in Ajegunle, Kishi Local Government Area of Oyo State, and 42 suspects at Idu Industrial Area in Abuja.
A police officer providing cover for the Abuja suspects was also arrested and handed over for investigation.
Troops further foiled illegal bunkering activities in Bayelsa and Rivers, seizing large quantities of suspected illegally refined AGO, hoses, pipes and other equipment.
“In Rivers, two suspected sea pirates were arrested with locally made weapons and a fibre boat, while NDLEA operatives arrested four narcotics suspects during a joint operation in Bayelsa,” the source said.
The source reaffirmed the army’s commitment to protecting the nation and urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies with timely information.
(NAN)