Soldiers rescue abducted ex-LG chairman, arrest Boko Haram commanders, others

In a series of operations, the Nigerian Army has rescued kidnap victims and apprehended suspected Boko Haram commanders and terrorist logistic suppliers, among others.

In a statement shared on X.com on Tuesday, the NA revealed that soldiers rescued an abducted former LG chairman and arrested a notorious kidnapping kingpin in Egbe Community of Yagba Local Government Area in Kogi State.

The statement partly read, “The suspect, Mohammed Bello, who belonged to a seven-man syndicate specialised in kidnapping unsuspecting citizens, has been on the security agencies’ wanted criminals’ watchlist.

“The same troops responded to a distress call regarding a kidnapping incident involving the former Chairman of Kabba Local Government Area.

“They engaged the terrorists in Egbe Forest, capturing one suspect and rescuing the victim. He has since been reunited with his family.”

Similarly, soldiers in Ebonyi State were said to have aborted a kidnap attempt in Ezza-Umuhuali Village of Ishielu Local Government Area and arrested a suspect in possession of an Automated Teller Machine card, 48 different international passports, and other items.

Additionally, the army said its troops apprehended two key Boko Haram commanders in Borno State who had been linked to several attacks on military installations.

The statement added, “On 4 August 2024 in Borno State, while acting on credible intelligence regarding terrorists’ movements, troops apprehended two Boko Haram commanders who infiltrated the Damasak Internally Displaced Persons camp in Mobbar Local Government Area.

“The suspects, Bana Yamode and Babagana Usman, who claimed to be visiting their families in the camp, had previously led attacks on troops in the area.”

In the same operation, the troops also apprehended two suspected Boko Haram logistic suppliers, identified as Mustapha Ismaila, 49, and Abdulmudalabi Haruna, 30, and rescued two minors.

Meanwhile, 50 Boko Haram suspects and their families were said to have surrendered to soldiers stationed in Bama, Gwoza, and Dikwa Local Government Areas, following intensified operations against the terrorists.

In a separate operation in Yobe State, three Boko Haram collaborators, who admitted to being involved in kidnapping and armed robbery activities, were reported to have been arrested at Gubio Market in Gubio Local Government Area of the state.

The statement also reported that troops deployed in Jigawa State arrested nine hoodlums involved in looting a shop in Kazaure town, recovering items including 255 bags of fertilizer, three bags of rice, a solar panel, and five motorcycles.

Meanwhile, in Plateau State, the troops arrested five suspected cultists and another suspect involved in motorcycle theft.

In the statement, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, commended the troops for their commitment to the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

He also urged the public to support security agencies by providing credible information to enhance the effectiveness of ongoing operations.

According Online reported in July that troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke arrested two notorious terrorists after a fierce shootout at Geshi Village in Donga Local Government Area, Taraba State