Troops rescue 11 kidnap victims, arrest 21 suspects

In a series of coordinated operations, Nigerian troops have successfully rescued 11 kidnapped individuals and apprehended 21 suspects across Borno, Zamfara, and Kogi states. The arrests targeted individuals involved in terrorism, as well as collaborators, logistics suppliers, and drug peddlers, according to operational reports released on Thursday.

The operations, conducted between July 21 and 22 under Operation HADIN KAI, Operation Fansan Yamma, and Operation MESA, also resulted in the discovery and neutralization of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by terrorists. Troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI apprehended three suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers near New Abbaram Resettlement Village in Borno. Recovered items included food supplies believed to be destined for terrorists. Additionally, two teenage girls who escaped from a terrorist enclave surrendered to troops.

Further operations saw troops engage terrorists along a road in Zamfara, leading to the abandonment of 11 kidnapped victims and a motorcycle. In Kogi, a suspected terrorist informant, who allegedly worked for a notorious kingpin, was arrested. Security forces also apprehended three suspected terrorists and two logistics couriers transporting food and cigarettes intended for militants within the state. These sustained efforts aim to dismantle terrorist logistics, rescue victims, and curb criminal activities.

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The operations reflected sustained efforts by the Armed Forces to dismantle terrorist logistics networks, rescue kidnapped victims and deny criminal elements freedom of action across various theatres of operation.