Troops recover N1.1m cash, seize weapons, foil kidnaps, and dismantle militant camps in multiple states
The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational successes across several states, rescuing nine kidnapped victims, dismantling terrorist supply chains, and arresting 11 suspected logistics collaborators within a 48-hour nationwide offensive.
A senior source at Army Headquarters disclosed that troops on multiple fronts intensified efforts to weaken terror networks, intercepting arms, petroleum products, stolen cash, and livestock while preventing fresh attacks.
In the North-East, troops of 149 Battalion struck at the heart of Boko Haram/ISWAP’s support system in Gubio, Borno State. Eight suspected logistics suppliers were apprehended with 28 jerrycans and a drum of petrol concealed in shops and a POS centre. Troops also seized N145,510 in cash and five mobile phones believed to be used in facilitating criminal activities.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, soldiers of 17 Brigade thwarted an attempted terrorist raid at Gidan Kwairo village in Malumfashi Local Government Area. The swift intervention forced the armed assailants to abandon their mission, allowing troops to rescue five hostages unhurt.
Troops under Operation Enduring Peace also made gains in Kaduna State, foiling a kidnap attempt in Ungwan Bera village, Sanga Local Government Area. Four victims, including two children, were rescued. Two of them, who sustained injuries during the attack, were rushed to ECWA Private Hospital in Fadan Karshi for medical treatment.
Elsewhere, troops of the 9 Brigade apprehended a dismissed soldier, ex-Lance Corporal Emefik Michael, in Mowe, Ogun State. The suspect, who was discharged from service in 2017, was caught extorting residents while parading himself in military camouflage. He has been handed over to the police for prosecution.
In the Niger Delta, troops of 5 Battalion, working with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a private security outfit, arrested a notorious oil wellhead vandal on September 7 in Okordia, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The suspect has since been transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.
Similarly, soldiers of 4 Brigade under Operation MESA stormed Kokotoro Camp in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State. One suspected militant was arrested, a pump-action rifle and four live cartridges were recovered, and the criminals’ camp was destroyed.
Troops also uncovered financial trails linked to violent crimes in Taraba State. At Gayam checkpoint in Gashaka Local Government Area, two suspects on a motorcycle were intercepted with N1 million in cash. Although one suspect escaped, preliminary findings revealed the money belonged to a farmer who had been murdered a day earlier. A motorcycle and a mobile phone recovered from the suspects were handed to the police for further investigation.
In Plateau State, security forces intercepted 105 cattle and nine rams grazing on farmlands in Jwak Metumbi, Mangu Local Government Area. The livestock, found without herders, were taken into custody as community leaders were engaged to identify the rightful owners.
Across all these operations, the troops recovered a total of N1.1 million in cash, petroleum products, livestock, a pump-action rifle, four cartridges, and other strategic items critical to criminal networks.
The Army source emphasized that the latest string of breakthroughs demonstrates the military’s determination to maintain pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal gangs, while safeguarding communities nationwide.
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