By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of the Nigerian Army have in the last 24 hours apprehended nine suspected terrorists, seven suspected kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunition in a series of operations across the country.

This is contained in operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja, on Tuesday.

According to the report, the operations also led to the recovery of eight rustled cattle, 10 mobile phones and about 2,350 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

The report said that in Katsina State, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested two suspected terrorists during a stop-and-search operation along the Dutsinma-Kankara-Turare road in Dutsinma Local Government Area.

It said that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had links with terrorist groups operating in Zamfara and Katsina States and were allegedly on their way to rustle cattle before their arrest.

According to the report, items recovered from the suspects included two mobile phones and N28,500 cash.

The report also said that in Edo, troops of 322 Artillery Regiment arrested five suspected kidnappers in Emaudo, Esan West Local Government Area, following credible intelligence.

The report said that the suspects confessed that they have been involved in kidnapping activities for more than two years.

It added that eight mobile phones were recovered from the suspects.

The report said that similarly in Kogi, troops intercepted and recovered eight rustled cattle along the Jamata-Atsawa road in Lokoja Local Government Area and arrested one suspected cattle rustler.

According to the report, the cattle were identified by members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association as animals stolen from the Adankolo area and were subsequently handed over to their owners.

"In Delta, troops of 3 Battalion arrested two suspected armed robbers during a routine patrol in Udu Local Government Area.

"The suspects sustained injuries after the gang allegedly attempted to attack troops while operating an illegal roadblock.

"The suspects were subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation.”

The report further said that troops also intensified anti-illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta, recovering about 1,150 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO in Bayelsa, and another 1,200 litres in Akwa Ibom.

The report said the recovered products, estimated at 2,350 litres, and the vehicles used in conveying them were handled in line with operational guidelines.

It added that troops remained committed to sustaining pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal elements threatening peace and security across the country. (NAN)

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