Troops Intercept 44 ISWAP Family Members, Rescue 9 Kidnap Victims In Multi-State Operations
Nigerian troops have intercepted 44 family members of suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and rescued nine kidnap victims in separate operations across Borno, Zamfara and other states, according to a military operational report.
The operations also resulted in the arrest of suspected kidnappers, alleged terrorist collaborators and a suspected gunrunner, while troops recovered firearms, ammunition, a motorcycle, mobile phone and other items.
The operational report, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday, detailed a series of military actions conducted by troops deployed under different formations and operations.
In Borno State, troops of 222 Battalion intercepted 43 persons described in the report as ISWAP terrorist family members at Kawuri in Konduga Local Government Area.
According to the report, preliminary investigation indicated that the group had escaped from terrorist captivity in Yuwe following clashes between rival JAS and ISWAP fighters.
The intercepted persons were subsequently handed over to the 7 Multinational Intervention Brigade for further action.
In a separate operation, troops of 192 Battalion intercepted a female ISWAP family member along the Gwoza-Limankara road in Gwoza Local Government Area.
The military said preliminary investigation showed that the woman had escaped from a terrorist enclave in Chikide, located in the Mandara Mountains.
Meanwhile, troops of 1 Brigade rescued five kidnapped victims, including the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, from suspected terrorists’ captivity.
The victims were rescued at a suspected terrorist camp around Sekpore village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area after troops established blocking positions around Sekpore and Sabon Gari.
The report said the victims had recently been moved from the Abaniyawa terrorist camp following sustained military pressure.
It added that several other victims escaped during the operation.
One of the rescued victims was reportedly reunited with his family, while the remaining victims were evacuated to the 1 Brigade Medical Centre for medical attention.
In another operation along the Gusau-Sokoto road, troops of Counter-Terrorism 4 responded to an attack on a vehicle by suspected terrorists.
The attackers reportedly fled into surrounding bushes following the engagement, allowing the troops to rescue four civilians who were travelling in the vehicle.
In Borno, troops of 149 Battalion, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force, arrested a suspected kidnapper in Gubio town and recovered an AK-47 rifle.
The suspect subsequently led the troops to Ardimini village, where an AK-47 magazine loaded with 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition was recovered, according to the report.
Similarly, troops of 159 Task Force Battalion, working with Nigerian Forest Guards, arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator at Geidam market.
A mobile phone and N296,000 were reportedly recovered from the suspect.
