Army smashes terrorists’ logistics ring, rescues nine hostages

The Nigerian Army says its troops have arrested 11 terrorist logistics suppliers and rescued nine kidnapped victims during nationwide operations conducted within 48 hours.

A credible source at the Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja that the troops also seized 114 livestock, recovered N1.1m in cash, one pump-action rifle, four cartridges, petroleum products, and other items.

According to the source, troops of 149 Battalion in Gubio, Borno State, arrested eight suspected logistics suppliers of Boko Haram/ISWAP on September 7.

Items recovered from them included 28 jerrycans and a drum of petrol concealed in shops and a POS centre, N145,510 cash, and five mobile phones.

In Katsina State, troops of 17 Brigade foiled a terrorist attack at Gidan Kwairo village in Malumfashi Local Government Area, rescuing five kidnapped victims as the assailants fled.

Also, troops of 9 Brigade apprehended a dismissed soldier, ex-Lance Corporal Emefik Michael, on September 7 in Mowe, Ogun State, for allegedly extorting money from residents while wearing military camouflage.

The suspect, who was dismissed from service in 2017, has been handed over to the police for prosecution.

In Katsina State, troops of 17 Brigade foiled a terrorist attack at Gidan Kwairo village in Malumfashi Local Government Area, rescuing five kidnapped victims as the assailants fled.

Also, troops of 9 Brigade apprehended a dismissed soldier, ex-Lance Corporal Emefik Michael, on September 7 in Mowe, Ogun State, for allegedly extorting money from residents while wearing military camouflage.

The suspect, who was dismissed from service in 2017, has been handed over to the police for prosecution.

In Bayelsa, troops of 5 Battalion, in collaboration with the NSCDC and a private security outfit, arrested a notorious oil wellhead vandal on September 7 at Okordia, Yenagoa.

The suspect was handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.

Similarly, troops of 4 Brigade under Operation MESA arrested a suspected militant at Kokotoro Camp in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State.

 A pump-action rifle and four live cartridges were recovered, and the criminals’ camp was destroyed.

In Taraba State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace intercepted two suspects on a motorcycle at Gayam checkpoint in Gashaka Local Government Area with N1 million cash.

 One of the suspects escaped, but preliminary investigation revealed that a farmer had been murdered on September 6 and his money stolen.

Troops also recovered a motorcycle and a mobile phone, which will be handed over to the police for investigation.

Elsewhere, in Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace seized 105 cattle and nine rams found grazing on farmlands in Jwak Metumbi, Mangu Local Government Area, without herders.

The livestock were taken to the troops’ base while community leaders were contacted to produce the owners for an amicable resolution.

In Kaduna, troops of Forward Operating Base Sanga foiled a kidnap attempt at Ungwan Bera village in Sanga Local Government Area.

The criminals fled, leaving behind four rescued victims, including two children.

Two of the victims sustained injuries and were taken to ECWA Private Hospital, Fadan Karshi, for treatment.

The source reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining operations aimed at denying terrorists and other criminals freedom of action across the country.