By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Nigeria Troops |
Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims and foiled multiple terrorist attacks across the country within the last 24 hours.
The operations, which spanned from the volatile Northwest to the oil-rich Niger Delta, also led to the arrest of key suspects and the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition, signaling a robust and multi-theatre response to the nation's security challenges.
According to a credible security source at the Army Headquarters, the successes began with troops of 1 Brigade, under Operation Hadarin Daji, who conducted a decisive fighting patrol in Faskari, Katsina State. The operation culminated in the successful rescue of nine kidnapped victims, who have since been safely reunited with their relieved families.
In a simultaneous operation in Zamfara State, troops ambushed kidnappers in the Anka Local Government Area, leading to the freedom of three additional captives.
Further south, in the Northcentral region, the agility of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) forces proved decisive. Troops operating in Keana, Nasarawa State, successfully secured the release of two more victims, bringing the total number of freed citizens to 14 within a single day.
Beyond the rescues, the military's offensive targeted the backbone of terrorist operations. In a strategic move, troops apprehended six suspected logistics suppliers to the notorious Lakurawa terrorist group in Kebbi and Sokoto States. Disrupting this supply chain is critical to crippling the mobility and operational capabilities of terrorist factions.
In a separate incident in Taraba State, vigilance led to the arrest of three impostors who were dressed in police and forest guard uniforms. Such arrests are vital for preventing these criminals from exploiting official disguises to commit atrocities and undermine public trust in security institutions.
The military's sweeping operations extended to the South-South region, where troops continued their crackdown on economic sabotage. In Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, forces intercepted large quantities of illegally refined petroleum products and arrested two suspects involved in the illicit trade.
Meanwhile, in Delta State, another operation led to the arrest of two armed men in possession of locally fabricated weapons, preventing potential violent crime in the area.