Army Crushes Terror Cells, Rescues 17 Kidnap Victims, Nabs 20 Suspects

Troops of the Nigerian Army have carried out several successful operations across the country, killing two terrorists, rescuing 17 kidnap victims, and arresting 20 suspects linked to different crimes.

A source at the Army Headquarters said the operations were based on intelligence and also led to the discovery of illegal oil refining sites in the South-South region.

In the North-East, soldiers from the 192 Battalion, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), fought terrorists from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram at Hudugum Village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Two insurgents were killed during the gun battle.


The source added that three terrorists — Fannami Ari (also called Abu Dujana), Hussaini Hassan Modu (also called Abu Yusuf), and another trainee surrendered to troops in Kukawa and Damboa areas of Borno State. They reportedly gave up due to frustration with their leaders and the poor conditions in their camps.

In the North-West, troops of 1 Brigade foiled two kidnap attempts in Zamfara State, rescuing 11 victims along the Magami–Jan Gemi and Kucheri–Bilbis roads. The rescued victims have been reunited with their families, while soldiers continue to patrol the area to block terrorists’ movements.

In the North-Central region, troops under Operations Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke carried out clearance raids in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States. The operations led to the arrest of 15 suspects involved in cultism, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and communal clashes.

Four other kidnap victims were also rescued in Plateau and Taraba States. The troops recovered weapons, ammunition, and other items from the suspects.