Troops recover 12 rifles, rescue 10 kidnap victims in Kwara
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered 12 rifles and rescued 10 kidnapped victims following moves by three suspected terrorists to surrender in Kwara State.
The development followed sustained military operations around Gbugbu Forest and adjoining communities in Edu Local Government Area of the state.
An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, said the three suspected terrorists, identified as Auta Ilori, Dan Karemi and Ori Gambali, had indicated their willingness to surrender their weapons and release their captives.
According to the report, troops of 22 Brigade, working with the Department of State Services, DSS, engaged the suspects through their emissaries.
The engagement reportedly resulted in the recovery of 12 rifles of different types and the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims in the first phase of the surrender process.
The report said the rescued victims and recovered weapons remained in military custody, while efforts to complete the surrender process were ongoing.
In a related operation in Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace, OPEP, arrested a suspected armed robber at Bisichi Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The operational report said: “The suspect was apprehended at about 7:05 pm on November 13 with an AK-47 rifle and 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.”
It added that troops also engaged suspected terrorists riding motorcycles along the Kukawa-Shuwaka-Yelwa Road in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The troops neutralised one suspected terrorist and recovered two motorcycles and a mobile phone, while other members of the group fled,” the report said.
In Taraba State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, working with the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, Composite Team, arrested two suspected terrorist logistics couriers at Kwatan Mayo Renewo in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.
The suspects were allegedly involved in transporting weapons and other supplies across the River Benue to a terrorist leader identified as Hayatu, who operates around the Taraba-Plateau-Bauchi border.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the suspects had repeatedly transported weapons between Karim-Lamido and Ardo-Kola local government areas.
The report said: “Troops recovered two mobile phones, a knife, suspected illicit substances and N83,200 from them.”
In a separate operation, troops of 6 Brigade, working with the DIA team, raided the residence of a suspected arms courier in Wukari Local Government Area.
The report added: “The operation, conducted on Nov. 13, led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle following the suspect’s arrest in Jalingo on Oct. 20.”
It said all arrested suspects and recovered items were in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.