By: Manoah kikekon
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| Nigeria Army |
In a series of high-impact operations, Nigerian Army troops have rescued 138 kidnapped victims and arrested key terrorist collaborators, dealing a heavy blow to insurgent networks.
The operations, spanning Zamfara, Borno, and Adamawa States, also led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, and bomb-making materials, marking a major victory in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops from 1 Brigade, alongside local vigilantes, stormed a terrorist hideout near Mayanchi village in Zamfara on July 20, rescuing 106 hostages including 8 women, 85 girls, and 13 boys. The terrorists fled under intense military firepower, abandoning their captives, who were safely handed over to the district head of Mayanchi for reunification with their families.
In a separate operation the same day, 32 more victims (27 women and 5 children)** were released to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Additionally, troops seized 5 AK-47 rifles and a DUSHKA machine gun, further crippling the terrorists’ arsenal.
Troops also captured a key terrorist collaborator in Tofa Village, Maru LGA, who allegedly served as a ransom negotiator and logistics supplier for the insurgents. This arrest disrupts a critical link in the terrorists’ operational chain.
In Adamawa, troops of 144 Battalion, supported by Hunters/Hybrid Forces, ambushed fleeing ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Takaskala (Madagali LGA), recovering IED-making materials such as detonators, pressure plates, and plastic explosives.
Meanwhile, in Borno, troops of 242 Recce Battalion repelled an ISWAP/JAS infiltration attempt in Monguno LGA, seizing ammunition, RPG bombs, and other weapons. A suspected ISWAP informant was also arrested in Abari, Monguno, following a joint operation with Civilian JTF.
On July 19, troops in Damasak (Mobbar LGA) arrested a drug peddler smuggling tramadol and diazepam substances often used to fuel terrorist activities.
(NAN)