The Nigerian Army reported that during operations across the country, it rescued kidnapping victims and detained individuals suspected of being Boko Haram commanders and terrorist logistical suppliers, among others.
In a statement shared on its official X handle on Tuesday, the NA said its soldiers rescued an abducted former LG chairman, and arrested a notorious kidnapping gang leader in Egbe Community of Yagba Local Government Area in Kogi State.
“The suspect, Mohammed Bello, who belonged to a seven-man syndicate specialised in kidnapping unsuspecting citizens, has been on the security agencies’ wanted criminals’ watchlist.
“The same troops responded to a distress call regarding a kidnapping incident involving the former Chairman of Kabba Local Government Area.
“They engaged the terrorists in Egbe Forest, capturing one suspect and rescuing the victim. He has since been reunited with his family.”
Similarly, soldiers in Ebonyi State were said to have aborted a kidnap attempt in Ezza-Umuhuali Village of Ishielu Local Government Area and arrested a suspect in possession of an Automated Teller Machine card, 48 different international passports, and other items.
Additionally, the army said its troops apprehended two key Boko Haram commanders in Borno State who had been linked to several attacks on military installations.
The statement added, “On 4 August 2024 in Borno State, while acting on credible intelligence regarding terrorists’ movements, troops apprehended two Boko Haram commanders who infiltrated the Damasak Internally Displaced Persons camp in Mobbar Local Government Area.
“The suspects, Bana Yamode and Babagana Usman, who claimed to be visiting their families in the camp, had previously led attacks on troops in the area.”
During the same operation, the troops apprehended two suspected Boko Haram logistic suppliers, Mustapha Ismaila, 49, and Abdulmudalabi Haruna, 30, and rescued two minors.
Additionally, 50 Boko Haram suspects and their families reportedly surrendered to soldiers stationed in Bama, Gwoza, and Dikwa Local Government Areas, following intensified anti-terrorism operations.
In a separate operation in Yobe State, three Boko Haram collaborators, who confessed to involvement in kidnapping and armed robbery, were arrested at Gubio Market in Gubio Local Government Area.
The statement also noted that troops in Jigawa State arrested nine individuals involved in looting a shop in Kazaure town, recovering items such as 255 bags of fertilizer, three bags of rice, a solar panel, and five motorcycles.
In Plateau State, the troops arrested five suspected cultists and another suspect involved in motorcycle theft.
Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja praised the troops for their dedication to combating terrorism and insurgency and encouraged the public to support security agencies by providing credible information to enhance ongoing operations.