Troops recover 12 rifles, rescue 10 kidnap victims in Kwara

Troops engaged in military operations in and around Gbugbu Forest and neighboring communities in the Edu Local Government Area have reported significant developments in their ongoing efforts against terrorism.

According to an operational report from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), three suspects, identified as Auta Ilori, Dan Karemi, and Ori Gambali, have expressed a willingness to surrender their weapons and release captives. The report indicates that personnel from the 22 Brigade, collaborating with the Department of State Services (DSS), have made contact with the suspects through intermediaries to facilitate this process.

The report further states that the rescued victims and seized weapons are currently under military custody, while efforts continue to finalize the suspects’ surrender.

In a separate operation in Plateau State, troops from Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) apprehended a suspected armed robber in Bisichi Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. The operational report notes that the suspect was detained at approximately 7:05 p.m. on November 13, armed with an AK-47 rifle and 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Additionally, troops reported engaging suspected terrorists using motorcycles on the Kukawa-Shuwaka-Yelwa Road in Wase Local Government Area, where one suspect was neutralized. During this encounter, the troops recovered two motorcycles and a mobile phone, while other group members managed to escape.

In Taraba State, the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in coordination with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), arrested two individuals suspected of being logistics couriers for terrorists in Kwatan Mayo Renewo, located in the Ardo-Kola Local Government Area. The suspects are accused of transporting weapons and supplies across the River Benue to a terrorist leader known as Hayatu, who operates along the Taraba-Plateau-Bauchi border. Preliminary interrogations suggest that the suspects had frequently moved weapons between the Karim-Lamido and Ardo-Kola areas.

The operational report also detailed the recovery of two mobile phones, a knife, suspected illicit substances, and 83,200 Naira from the arrestees.

In a related action, troops from the 6 Brigade, also collaborating with the DIA, conducted a raid on the residence of a suspected arms courier in Wukari Local Government Area. This operation, which took place on November 13, led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, previously linked to a suspect arrested in Jalingo on October 20.

All suspects arrested and items recovered during these operations are currently in military custody, where they will undergo further investigation and necessary legal proceedings.

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