Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 20 kidnapped victims and recovered weapons and other items during coordinated operations across the Northwest and North-Central regions.
A source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that the successes were achieved under Operations Fansan Yamma, MESA, Enduring Peace (OPEP), and Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
According to the source, troops operating under Operation Fansan Yamma rescued two truck drivers abducted along the Magami–Gusau road in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara. The terrorists reportedly abandoned the victims while fleeing from pursuing soldiers.
“In Sokoto State, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle abandoned on farmland at Garin Hilo village, Sabon Birni LGA, following actionable intelligence from locals,” the source said.
Under Operation MESA, the troops, working alongside vigilantes, rescued nine kidnapped individuals in Kogi and Kwara States. Three farmers abducted at Ojiwo Egume community in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi were freed, along with a motorcycle.
In Kwara, six villagers kidnapped at Ikosin village, Ifelodun LGA, were rescued after a hot pursuit that forced their captors to flee and abandon two motorcycles.
“Efforts are ongoing to rescue four other victims abducted at Owa Onire in Ifelodun LGA during a road project.”
The source added that army operations in Taraba had been temporarily suspended to restore peace and order, while operations continue in other troubled parts of the country.