Nigerian Army troops deployed for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North East and North Central regions have thwarted a kidnap attempt, arrested cattle rustlers and killed several terrorists.
On Thursday, the troops, while responding to a distress call, foiled a kidnap attempt on one Mr. Musa Arewa by three armed kidnappers in the Lankaviri community of Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Taraba State.
The Army noted that “the kidnappers, having rigorously tortured their victim, were intercepted by the troops, as they attempted to smuggle him into a nearby bush. The suspected kidnappers were arrested, and three locally fabricated guns were recovered from them.”
The development was revealed in a statement posted on the official X handle of the Nigerian Army on Friday.
The Nigerian Army noted that it remains resolute in its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the regions.
In another jointly coordinated effort with hunters and other security agencies, the troops conducted a patrol to clear communities infiltrated by terrorists.
“During the clearance operation, troops neutralised a notorious terrorist identified as Gambo Kachallah, who has been terrorising the communities.
“The affected communities include Garau, Paskere, Tella, Jukun, Farin Ruwa, Mashingi, Jeb Jeb, and Rafin Kada Villages in Karim Lamido Local Government of Taraba State,” the statement added.
In a separate operation, troops successfully apprehended a notorious syndicate specialised in cattle rustling in Plateau State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops conducted a sting operation targeting the terrorists’ enclave in Mangu Village, Mangu LG of Plateau State.
The operation culminated in a fire shootout with the terrorists, resulting in their arrest and the recovery of illicit arms.
The arrested suspects, identified as Peter Sale, Enoch Luka, and Hosaana Philibus, are believed to be key members of the cattle rustling syndicate.
Additionally, the troops recovered one fabricated rifle, one fabricated pistol, seven rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorbike, and two phones from the suspects.