The Nigerian Army has secured the freedom of 31 kidnapped victims and arrested 17 criminal suspects across multiple states, dealing a sharp blow to kidnapping networks and violent extremists in the last twenty four hours.
The operations, which spanned Zamfara, Delta, Kogi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, showcased a combination of rapid response, intelligence-led raids, and sustained patrols.
Key successes include the rescue of 25 hostages in Zamfara and the dismantling of a suspected kidnap syndicate in Delta.
Acting on a distress call in Zamfara, troops from the 1 Brigade Combat Team, alongside local hunters, advanced on Kadage Village in Maradun LGA. Terrorists abandoned their captives and fled upon sighting the security forces, leading to the safe rescue of all 25 victims, who have since been reunited with their families.
In Delta State, a major breakthrough occurred as troops of 63 Brigade, acting on intelligence, arrested a suspected cultist and kidnapper terrorizing the Ezuokwu Community in Oshimili North LGA. Eleven accomplices were also captured. Subsequent raids in Ite-Ego Community led to the arrest of a herbalist and the recovery of two pump-action guns and five cartridges. A separate operation netted a drug peddler in possession of crystal meth (“ice”), smoking pipes, and Indian hemp.
Tragedy marred the success in Kogi State, where troops from 12 Brigade, while rescuing five kidnapped victims from abandoned settlements in Lokoja LGA, discovered two decomposed bodies. One has been evacuated, with recovery efforts ongoing for the other.
Further arrests were made in Kaduna and Nasarawa, with suspected kidnappers apprehended based on credible intelligence. In Taraba, troops successfully rescued one kidnapped victim in the Kurmi LGA area.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement, reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the country.” It credited the successes to timely intelligence, joint community efforts, and sustained offensive operations aimed at denying criminals freedom of action. The public is urged to continue supporting security forces with credible information.
All suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in military custody for further investigation and action.
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