…Foil kidnap of 28 persons, recover weapons
From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Army has disclosed that its troops on internal security operations in Borno, Imo, Sokoto and Zamfara states, have killed eight terrorists, recovered several arms and thwarted multiple kidnap attempts of 28 persons.
In Zamfara State, the army said that its troops responding to a distress call about terrorists’ activities at Yar Sabiya Wuya District in Aka Local Government Area of the state, swiftly engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.
The terrorists overwhelmed by superior firepower, it said, abandoned 27 kidnap victims during the battle, resulting in the rescue of the hostages.
It said that one of the kidnap victims, who sustained a gunshot wound, was promptly evacuated to nearby medical facility for treatment.
Also in Zamfara State, it said that troops carrying out clearance operations based on actionable intelligence on activities of terrorists in Gurusu, Kisema, and Gana Villages, Nasarawa District, Bukuyyum Local Government Area, made contact with the terrorists and neutralized two, and recovered two motorcycles, adding that the troops are on the trail of the overpowered terrorists who fled the scene of the encounter.
Similarly, Army said that in Imo State, troops on patrol around Umuaka in Njaba Local Government Area of the state foiled an attempted kidnap of Prince Chinonso Meremikwu.
It said that during the operation, one terrorist was neutralized, while two others escaped.
The Army said that the gallant troops recovered one AK-47 rifle with two loaded magazines and one motorcycle.
In Borno State, it said that troops conducted an offensive operation against terrorists’ enclave at Forfor Village, in Damboa Local Government Area, neutralizing one terrorist and recovering one AK-47 rifle, seven rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, and seven bicycles.
Further exploitation by the dogged troops at Tuga, it said, led to a fierce encounter, resulting in the extermination of two terrorists and the recovery of another AK-47 rifle, 12 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, and eight bicycles.
In Sokoto State, troops in conjunction with the Department of State Service, it said, responded to a distress call about a kidnap attempt by terrorists, who had mounted a blockade along Road Kwanar Isa – Shinkafi in Isa Local Government Area.
The troops moved swiftly and engaged the terrorists, neutralizing two extremists, and causing the others to flee, it said.
These successful operations, the Army said, accentuated the commitment and effectiveness of the troops in combating terrorism and sundry other crimes to ensure the safety of citizens across various regions.
XXX