By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 13 kidnapped victims, neutralised five terrorists and arrested suspected gunrunners in coordinated operations across Kwara, Edo, Plateau, Bauchi and other states.

This was contained in an operational report on military activities made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

The army said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Fatika, neutralised a fleeing terrorist during a follow-up operation based on intelligence.

It said the troops recovered one magazine, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a power bank, an MP3 radio, two wristwatches and a motorcycle belonging to the terrorist.

According to the report, troops of Operation Savannah Shield, working with Forest Guards, also neutralised four terrorists and rescued two kidnapped victims during an operation in Latan Daji, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara.

It said the terrorists had abducted the victims shortly before the troops arrived, adding that the rescued victims had since been reunited with their families.

The report further disclosed that troops of 4 Brigade, in conjunction with military intelligence personnel, arrested a serving warrant officer allegedly involved in supplying arms and ammunition to kidnappers operating in Edo.

It said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had maintained communication with a bandit currently in custody at Oko Correctional Facility in Benin City.

According to the report, the suspect remains in military custody pending transfer for further investigation.

The report also said troops on patrol along the Lagos-Benin Road in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo responded to a kidnapping incident and rescued 11 victims unhurt after engaging the kidnappers.

It added that the victims were released to continue their journey.

In Kogi, troops responded to an attack on commuters along the Okene-Lokoja highway, forcing the attackers to flee after a gun battle.

The army said a truck driver who sustained a gunshot wound was evacuated to hospital, while troops also confirmed the earlier abduction of two residents in Zaragi community.

It said efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted residents.

According to the report, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN also arrested a suspected gunrunner in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau.

It added that five suspected drug peddlers during a raid on a drug hideout in Jos North.

The army said substances suspected to be cannabis and other illicit drugs were recovered during the operation.

It also disclosed that troops intercepted 88 cattle grazing on farmlands in separate incidents in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area after the herders fled on sighting security personnel.

The army said troops also rescued a pastor injured during an attack in Bokkos Local Government Area and launched a manhunt for the fleeing attackers.

It added that two persons were killed and another injured in a separate attack in Daffo, Bokkos Local Government Area, while efforts to apprehend the perpetrators were ongoing. (NAN)

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