MILITARY RESCUES 70 ABDUCTEES, RECOVERS N10M, ARRESTS TERRORISTS

Nigerian troops have rescued more than 70 abducted persons, recovered N10 million in suspected ransom, and arrested several suspected terrorists and kidnappers across the country in one week, the Defence Headquarters has announced.

The operation was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, in a statement on ongoing military operations between October 15 and 22, ValidViewNetwork reports .

THE RESCUES

According to Onoja, troops rescued 27 villagers abducted in Gamji community, Katsina State, and 29 residents who fled into nearby bushes during a terrorist attack in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State .

Troops also rescued 11 passengers after suspected attackers assaulted a commercial bus along the Ayere-Kabba road in Kogi State.

In Kano State, troops tracked kidnappers to Falgore Forest, neutralised two suspects, and rescued a victim abducted from Fanyabo village in Tudun Wada Local Government Area.

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The troops recovered N10 million suspected to be ransom paid by the victim’s family and handed the money and victim over to the family.

THE ARRESTS

Onoja said troops arrested a wanted terrorist kingpin and an accomplice at the kingpin’s residence in Mokwa, Niger State, recovering four mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators at Benisheikh Market in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State on October 16.

Further arrests were made in Yobe and Borno, including suspected collaborators allegedly supplying clothing materials for terrorists’ uniforms.

Nineteen terrorist fighters and family members surrendered to or were intercepted by troops in Bama, Konduga, Mafa and Gwoza local government areas of Borno during the period.

The individuals reportedly cited hunger, hardship and clashes between rival terrorist factions as reasons for leaving terrorist camps .

THE NYSC KIDNAP SUSPECTS

In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka arrested five suspects over the kidnapping of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State.

The operation was conducted around Irete and Orogwe in Owerri West Local Government Area, leading to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, one English pistol and 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition .

THE WEAPONS RECOVERED

In the North-East, following an attack on troops’ location at Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area, troops conducted clearance operations and recovered eight AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 300 rounds of PKT ammunition, two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and chargers, a handheld radio and a motorcycle.

WHY IT MATTERS

The figures are a rare piece of good news in a security environment that has been defined by kidnappings, attacks and displacement.Over 70 people are back with their families.

N10 million in ransom has been recovered.

Five suspects linked to the NYSC abduction are in custody.But the broader picture remains grim. Kidnappings continue. Terrorist groups still operate.

And the military is fighting on multiple fronts across the country.

The Defence Headquarters has promised to sustain the operational tempo.

For the families of those rescued, that promise has already been kept.

For the others still waiting, it cannot come soon enough. ValidViewNetwork reports.