Soldiers on internal security operations in Zamfara State have foiled the kidnapping of three people by violent extremists at the outskirts of Kwatarkwashi village in Gusau Local Government Area of the state.
The soldiers were also said to have rescued one Mrs Rosemary Jekpe, who was kidnapped at her residence in Abuja Layout, Bukuru Low-Cost Housing in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who made the disclosure, said the victim was rescued at the Rafinbuna village in Bassa Local Government Area of the same state, after a firefight with the kidnappers.
Nwachukwu, in a statement, said the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and two motorbikes from the kidnappers.
He said: “Nigerian Army responding to intelligence report of the establishment of a new camp by IPOB /ESN militants, on Monday, March 18, 2024, neutralised an IPOB/ESN militant in a sting operation in the new hideout in Ihiteukwa community, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
“Nigerian Army troops have also conducted a targeted raid on a suspected criminal enclave at Zamtip Village in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following actionable intelligence. During the operation, troops successfully apprehended one of the criminals, while another, in a bid to evade arrest, shot and killed himself. Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, two empty cases of 7.62mm, three sim cards and one jackknife from the criminals.
“In another operation, in Zamfara State, troops, in a prompt response to a distress call, have foiled the abduction of three people by violent extremists at the outskirts of Kwatarkwashi village in Gusau local government area.
Troops engaged and overpowered the extremists in the shootout that followed, forcing them to abandon the three kidnap victims, who were immediately rescued by the troops. One of the victims, however, sustained injury and has been evacuated to a hospital for further medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
“In Southeastern Nigeria, troops of the Nigerian Army, responding to intelligence report of the establishment of a new camp by IPOB /ESN militants, on Monday, March 18, 2024, neutralised an IPOB/ESN militant, in a sting operation in the new hideout in Ihiteukwa community, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
“The militants, notorious for their reign of terror in the state, were engaged in a gun duel by the troops, resulting in the elimination of one of them, while others took to their heels. Troops have destroyed the terrorists’ camp and on the trail of the fleeing militants. Troops recovered a fabricated single barrel gun from the militant.
“The Nigerian Army reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding lives and property of all citizens, as we sincerely extend our gratitude to vigilant members of the public, whose cooperation remains instrumental in ongoing efforts to combat insurgency, terrorism and sundry criminality across the nation.”
