ARMY RESCUES NINE KIDNAP VICTIMS, RECOVERS AK-47, LIVESTOCK IN NIGER

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued nine kidnapped victims and thwarted terrorist attacks in separate operations across Mariga and Rijau Local Government Areas of Niger State.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, the successes were recorded as troops intensified operations against terrorists and other criminal elements within the brigade’s area of responsibility.

On Wednesday, August 12, troops of the Nigerian Army Training Centre Admin Battalion deployed in Kotonkoro rescued nine kidnapped victims during offensive operations in Mariga LGA.

The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to Mariga Local Government authorities for documentation and reunification with their families.

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In a separate operation the same day, troops conducting a fighting patrol in Warari, Rijau LGA, encountered and successfully repelled a terrorist ambush.

During the operation, the troops recovered seven motorcycles, one camel, 47 cattle and 18 sheep suspected to have been rustled from nearby communities. The recovered livestock were handed over to the relevant authorities.

Earlier, on August 10, troops of the Brigade’s Quick Response Force, alongside personnel from the 311 Artillery Regiment and Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion X, foiled an attempted terrorist attack and infiltration of communities around Inana Village, Majal and Tunga Bisallah in Rijau LGA.

Acting on credible intelligence, the troops intercepted the terrorists, who were reportedly riding motorcycles, as they attempted to infiltrate the communities. The attackers fled towards a nearby forest after sighting the troops.

The troops engaged the fleeing terrorists, forcing them to abandon their motorcycles and equipment, with some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, ammunition of different calibres and one motorcycle, while six other motorcycles were destroyed.

The Commander, 18 Brigade, commended the troops for their courage, resilience and professionalism, urging them to sustain the offensive against terrorists and criminal elements operating in the state.

He also stressed the importance of intelligence from local communities in disrupting criminal activities and denying terrorists freedom of movement.

The commander said the operations reflected the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, to intensifying offensive operations and degrading terrorism and other criminal activities across the country.

He charged the troops to maintain the operational tempo and continue efforts to protect vulnerable communities and safeguard lives and property.