Army Rescues 9 Abducted Victims, Arrests Terror Logistics Providers

In just 48 hours, the Nigerian Army says it rescued nine abducted persons, arrested 11 suspected logistics providers for terrorists, and seized a range of weapons, cash, and livestock. The operations, carried out across multiple states, highlight the military’s ongoing push to curb banditry, terrorism, and criminal activities nationwide.

                           

Major Arrests and Rescues

Borno State

• Troops of 149 Battalion detained eight alleged Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics providers in Gubio on July 7.

• Items recovered: five cell phones, N145,510 in cash, 28 jerrycans, and a drum of gasoline hidden in shops and a POS center.

Katsina State

• 17 Brigade troops stopped a terrorist attack in Gidan Kwairo, Malumfashi LGA.

• Five abducted people were rescued as attackers fled.

Ogun State

• 9 Brigade troops arrested ex-Lance Cpl. Emefik Michael, a dismissed soldier, in Mowe for allegedly extorting residents while in military camouflage.

• He had left the military in 2017 and has been handed over to police.

Bayelsa State

• 5 Battalion troops, working with NSCDC and private security, apprehended a notorious oil wellhead vandal in Okordia, Yenagoa.

• The suspect was handed to the DSS for further investigation.

Taraba State

• Operation Enduring Peace troops intercepted two suspects on a motorcycle at the Gayam checkpoint, Gashaka LGA, with N1 million in cash.

• One suspect escaped; later intelligence revealed a farmer had been killed and robbed on September 6.

• Recovered: a cell phone and a motorcycle.

Edo State

• IV Brigade under Operation MESA arrested a suspected militant at Kokotoro Camp, Ovia South-West LGA.

• Weapons recovered: one pump action rifle and four live cartridges.

• The criminals’ camp was destroyed.

Plateau State

• Operation EP troops seized 105 cattle and nine rams grazing on farmland in Mangu LGA without herders.

• Community leaders have been contacted to identify the livestock owners.

Kaduna State

• Forward Operating Base Sanga troops foiled a kidnap attempt in Ungwan Bera, Sanga LGA.

• Four victims, including two children, were rescued.

• Two injured victims were taken to ECWA Private Hospital, Fadan Karshi.

Items Recovered in 48 Hours

• N1.1 million in cash

• One pump action rifle and four live cartridges

• Petroleum products (including 28 jerrycans and a drum of gasoline)

• 114 animals (cattle and rams)

• Multiple cell phones and a motorcycle

According to a senior source at Army Headquarters in Abuja, the operations reaffirm the military’s resolve to:

• Restrict criminals’ freedom of movement across Nigeria

• Secure vulnerable communities

• Dismantle terror logistics networks

• Work with local leaders to restore stability