ISWAP suffers major blow as troops capture informant, rescue 34 kidnap victims
Nigerian Army Rescues 34 Kidnap Victims in Nationwide Operations
In a series of coordinated operations across Nigeria, troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 34 individuals who had been kidnapped, apprehended suspected informants associated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and recovered various arms and ammunition. This information was detailed in an operational report released on Sunday.
The report indicates that 31 of the rescued victims were freed by troops of Operation HADIN KAI along the Buratai-Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. The rescue operation followed a rapid response by soldiers from the 135 Special Forces Battalion, who utilized CCTV surveillance to detect ISWAP/JAS terrorists abducting civilians from four vehicles.
Troops deployed a quick reaction force, which engaged the terrorists, resulting in the abandonment of the victims as well as one motorcycle left on the scene.
In another operation, troops from the 145 Battalion conducted a patrol in the Turoh area of Damasak within Mobbar Local Government Area. According to the report, terrorists fled upon encountering the troops, leaving behind two motorcycles and an array of illicit drugs.
Additionally, troops from the 232 Battalion Tactical apprehended a suspected ISWAP informant at Garaha Market in Adamawa’s Hong Local Government Area.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops engaged terrorists involved in rustling cattle in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The report states that superior firepower from the troops forced the assailants to withdraw.
In Kogi State, troops of Operation MESA rescued a woman and her two children along the old Obajana-Jakura-Tajimi road. Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted on July 29 from a settlement in the Gada-Biyu area of Lokoja.
In Plateau State, troops from Operation Enduring Peace responded to reports of an attack on a herder in Bassa Local Government Area. By the time the troops arrived, the assailants had fled, and the deceased along with recovered cattle were handed over to the victim’s family.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA troops achieved a significant breakthrough with the arrest of three suspects linked to an ambush on troops in Imo State on May 4. This operation was initiated based on intelligence from previously arrested suspects.
The troops recovered a cache of weapons, including four AK-47 rifles, one FN rifle, a pistol, 11 AK-47 magazines, two FN magazines, and 239 rounds of assorted ammunition, alongside a fragmentation jacket and other military materials. These weapons included those stolen during the May ambush, with further searches leading to the discovery of an additional terrorist camp containing more arms and ammunition.
