Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 138 kidnapped victims and arrested several terrorist collaborators and informants in several operations.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the troops also recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and improvised explosive device (IED) components.
A credible source in the Army who revealed the latest in the ongoing operations by the military to NAN, described the rescue as another round of remarkable operational successes in the army’s ongoing aggressive efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and criminality in the country.
The source said the troops conducted series of highly coordinated operations across Zamfara, Borno, and Adamawa States.
He said the troops of 1 Brigade, in conjunction with local vigilantes, had on July 20, acted on credible intelligence and rescued 106 kidnapped victims including eight women, 85 girls, and 13 boys at the outskirts of Mayanchi Village towards Bayan Ruwa axis of Zamfara.
According to him, the terrorists fled the scene under superior firepower from the troops, leaving behind the victims who were safely handed over to the District Head of Mayanchi for proper documentation and reunification.
“In a separate but related non-kinetic engagement on the same day in Zamfara, 32 additional kidnapped victims, comprising 27 adult females and five male minors, were released to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Team.
“Also handed over were five AK-47 rifles and one DUSHKA gun.
“The victims and weapons have since been handed over to the Sector Commander, SDS Zamfara.
“In another operation, 1 Brigade troops arrested a terrorist collaborator in Tofa Village, Maru LGA, Zamfara State.
“Investigations revealed that the suspect served as a ransom negotiator and logistics supplier for the terrorists,” he said.
In North East, the source revealed that troops of 144 Battalion with support from the Hunters/Hybrid Forces ambushed fleeing ISWAP/JAS terrorists at Takaskala in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa.
He said the troops recovered critical IED-making materials, including detonators with cords, pressure plates, batteries, plastic explosives, and a bicycle.
In Borno, he said the troops of 242 Recce Battalion successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Monguno Local Government Area.
According to him, exploitation led to the recovery of six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, an RPG bomb, empty magazine, and other items.
“Also, on 20 July, a joint intelligence operation by troops of Sector 3 and Civilian JTF led to the arrest of a suspected ISWAP informant in Abari, Monguno Local Government Area.
“Earlier, on July 19, troops of 145 Battalion Damasak, alongside the Civilian JTF, arrested a suspected drug peddler attempting to infiltrate Damasak Town, Mobbar Local Government Area, with illicit substances including tramadol and diazepam,” he added.
The senior officer said the successes stressed the Nigerian army’s relentless commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity and restoring peace across troubled regions.
He expressed Nigerian army’s appreciation to the local communities and security stakeholders for their cooperation while assuring Nigerians of troops unwavering resolve to protect lives and property.