Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered 12 rifles and rescued 10 kidnapped victims in Kwara State following moves by three suspected terrorists to surrender their weapons and release their captives.
The development followed sustained military operations around Gbugbu Forest and neighbouring communities in Edu Local Government Area of the state.
According to an operational report, the three suspects, identified as Auta Ilori, Dan Karemi and Ori Gambali, indicated their willingness to surrender their weapons and free the victims.
The report said troops of the 22 Brigade, in collaboration with the State Security Service (SSS), engaged the suspects through their representatives, leading to the recovery of 12 rifles of different types and the rescue of 10 abductees as the first phase of the surrender process.
It added that the rescued victims and recovered weapons had been taken into military custody, while discussions surrounding the surrender remained ongoing.
In a related operation, troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) arrested a suspected armed robber at Bisichi Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspect was arrested at about 7:05 p.m. on November 13, with an AK-47 rifle and 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Similarly, troops engaged suspected terrorists travelling on motorcycles along the Kukawa-Shuwaka-Yelwa Road in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
One suspected terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while two motorcycles and a mobile phone were recovered. Other members of the group reportedly escaped.
The report further disclosed that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), working with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Composite Team, arrested two suspected terrorist logistics couriers at Kwatan Mayo Renewo in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The suspects were allegedly involved in transporting supplies, including weapons, across River Benue to a terrorist leader identified as Hayatu, who operates around the Taraba-Plateau-Bauchi border.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly revealed that the suspects had repeatedly transported weapons between Karim-Lamido and Ardo-Kola Local Government Areas.
Items recovered from them included two mobile phones, a knife, suspected illicit substances and N83,200.
In a separate operation, troops of the 6 Brigade, alongside the DIA team, raided the residence of a suspected arms courier in Wukari Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out on November 13, resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle following the suspect’s arrest in Jalingo on October 20.
The report added that all arrested suspects and recovered items remained in military custody for further action.
(NAN)
