Troops Rescue 10 NYSC Members, Kill 16 Terrorists, Recover Weapons
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 10 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, killed 16 terrorists and recovered weapons in separate operations across the country.
The Army disclosed this in an operational report made available to journalists on Thursday evening, detailing recent successes recorded by troops in various theatres of operation.
According to the report, troops of Operation UDO KA rescued 10 prospective corps members abducted in Imo State.
It said troops of 34 Artillery Brigade responded to a kidnapping incident at Umonuwa village, along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Mbaise Local Government Area, at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday.
The victims were reportedly abducted from two commercial buses by suspected kidnappers.
The Army said its troops, working with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services, were pursuing the perpetrators in an effort to rescue other victims.
In Adamawa State, the report said terrorists attacked troops of 226 Battalion (Motorised) at Garkida in Gombi Local Government Area and 232 Battalion at Garaha in Hong Local Government Area.
The attacks reportedly occurred at about 1 a.m. on Thursday.
The troops, according to the report, repelled the attacks, forcing the terrorists to flee towards Garkida on motorcycles.
It said the Army’s Spartan element subsequently tracked the fleeing terrorists and conducted strikes against them, killing 16.
The troops also recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one Dane gun and six AK-47 magazines, as well as cartridges.
“Troops are currently conducting follow-up operations and reorganising their defensive locations,” the report stated.
Attack in Taraba
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Meanwhile, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE responded to a suspected terrorist attack on Gwamagira settlement in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to the report, the attackers, who were operating on motorcycles, engaged the troops before retreating and abandoning rustled cattle.
The troops recovered the cattle and returned them to their owners.
However, the attackers reportedly killed one civilian and abducted three others.
The Army said efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Suspected ISWAP Member Arrested
In the North-East, troops of Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI, arrested a suspected member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Babbangida, Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The suspect was arrested at about 12:30 p.m. on September 29 and reportedly claimed to be an Islamic cleric operating in the Sahara area of the Niger Republic.
The Army said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect travelled by truck from the Zarmadu-Sahara general area of Niger Republic into Nigeria before proceeding to Borno State.
Items recovered from him included a mobile phone, prayer mat, blanket, jacket, slate, detergent and N396,200 in cash.
The report also said troops of Sector 4, in collaboration with Rangers and Hybrid Forces, arrested four suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol in parts of Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Terrorists Repelled in Sokoto
In Sokoto State, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA engaged terrorists along the Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area.
The Army said the troops forced the terrorists to withdraw from the area and subsequently intensified patrols to maintain security and prevent their return.
The Nigerian Army said its troops would continue to sustain offensive and defensive operations across the various theatres to counter terrorist and criminal activities and protect civilians.
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