Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 13 kidnapped victims, neutralised five terrorists and arrested suspected arms suppliers in coordinated operations across several states, including Kwara, Edo, Plateau and Bauchi.
The development was contained in an operational report on military activities made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
According to the report, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Fatika neutralised a fleeing terrorist during a follow-up operation based on credible intelligence.
The army said troops recovered one magazine, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a power bank, an MP3 radio, two wristwatches and a motorcycle belonging to the terrorist.
In Kwara State, troops of Operation Savannah Shield, in collaboration with Forest Guards, killed four terrorists and rescued two kidnapped victims during an operation in Latan Daji, Patigi Local Government Area.
The army said the victims were abducted shortly before the troops arrived at the scene and had since been reunited with their families.
In Edo State, troops of 4 Brigade, working with military intelligence personnel, arrested a serving warrant officer suspected of supplying arms and ammunition to kidnappers operating in the state.
The report stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had maintained communication with a suspected bandit currently being held at the Oko Correctional Facility in Benin City.
The suspect remains in military custody pending further investigation and possible transfer to relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, troops conducting patrol operations along the Lagos-Benin Road in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State rescued 11 kidnap victims after engaging suspected kidnappers.
The army said the victims were rescued unhurt and released to continue their journey.
In Kogi State, troops responded to an attack on commuters along the Okene-Lokoja highway, forcing the attackers to retreat following a gun battle.
A truck driver who sustained a gunshot injury during the incident was evacuated to hospital for treatment, while troops confirmed the earlier abduction of two residents in Zaragi community. Efforts to rescue the victims are ongoing.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested a suspected gunrunner in Jos South Local Government Area and apprehended five suspected drug peddlers during a raid on a drug hideout in Jos North.
The army said substances suspected to be cannabis and other illicit drugs were recovered during the operation.
The report also disclosed that troops intercepted 88 cattle allegedly grazing on farmlands in separate incidents in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area after the herders fled upon sighting security personnel.
In Bokkos Local Government Area, troops rescued a pastor who was injured during an attack and launched a manhunt for the fleeing attackers.
The army added that two people were killed and another injured in a separate attack in Daffo, Bokkos Local Government Area, with efforts ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
