Nigerian troops have rescued eight abductees and arrested suspected terrorists, kidnappers and collaborators in a series of operations across Borno and Adamawa States, as security forces intensify efforts to disrupt insurgent and criminal networks in the North-East.
The operations, conducted between September 11 and 13, also led to the recovery of suspected terrorist supplies, the disruption of an improvised explosive device threat and the arrest of people accused of supporting armed groups.
Also read: Suspected boko haram terrorists ambushes APC candidate’s convoy in Borno
In Borno, troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion rescued eight abductees around the fringes of Armuda and Gava villages in Gwoza Local Government Area.
The military said preliminary investigations indicated that the victims had escaped from an enclave controlled by Chikede terrorists.
The rescued civilians were subsequently handed over to local authorities for further assistance and follow-up.
In Adamawa, troops of the 23 Brigade arrested three suspected terrorists at Gaya village in Hong Local Government Area.
The arrests followed information reportedly obtained from a suspect previously taken into custody. The three suspects remain in military detention as investigations continue.
Troops also carried out a raid at Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area with the support of local hunters, leading to the arrest of six suspected kidnappers.
According to the military, the suspects allegedly admitted to kidnapping more than seven people, collecting ransom from some victims and killing others who failed to pay.
The operation in Adamawa came as security agencies continue to confront kidnapping networks operating alongside other criminal groups in communities affected by insecurity.
In Borno, troops working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at Koppa village in Konduga Local Government Area.
The suspects were allegedly involved in moving food and household items from Maiduguri to terrorists operating around Alajiri village in neighbouring Mafa Local Government Area.
Three mobile phones, two bicycles, ₦53,200 and other items were recovered during the operation.
A separate dawn operation was conducted in Kukawa following intelligence indicating that terrorists were allegedly planning an attack on the area.
Troops conducting the cordon-and-search operation arrested a suspected terrorist fighter.
The military said the suspect had reportedly left Kukawa about a year ago to join terrorist groups operating from the Dumbullum and Kareto camps.
Two suspected terrorist collaborators were also arrested during the operation. Troops recovered six loaves of bread and ₦3.65 million from the suspects.
The security operations extended to other parts of the country.
In Kwara State, troops operating under Operation Savannah Shield arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator at Oro Ago in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Security forces also prevented a potential IED attack along the Woro-Nuku road in Kaiama after an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team discovered four IED cylinders.
Two of the devices were disposed of, while the remaining two were disabled by the EOD team.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace arrested six suspected illegal miners at Rakwok mining site in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The troops recovered a cutlass, seven torchlights, a mobile phone and other items during the operation.
In Benue, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested four suspected vandals allegedly found with vandalised pipelines at Gou in Logo Local Government Area.
A generator and other items were recovered from the suspects.
Meanwhile, troops and police intervened in a communal dispute at Kowa Yarda village in Karshi, Abuja, after a herder allegedly attacked two farmers with a machete.
Security personnel subsequently engaged families, youth leaders and vigilantes in the area in an effort to prevent the dispute from escalating.
Troops also rescued a Fulani vigilante who had reportedly been detained by youths at Ara Sabo and transferred him to the local vigilante headquarters.
The latest operations highlight the range of security challenges confronting communities across northern Nigeria, from terrorism and kidnapping to illegal mining, pipeline vandalism and communal disputes.
The reported arrests also point to the continuing focus by security forces on the networks that sustain armed groups through logistics, supplies and local collaboration.
Authorities are expected to continue investigating the suspects and tracing possible links to wider criminal and terrorist networks.
Also read: Suspected boko haram terrorists ambushes APC candidate’s convoy in Borno
For the communities affected by insurgency and kidnapping, however, the rescue of the eight abductees offers a significant moment of relief amid the continuing security challenges across the region.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
