Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled kidnap attempts by terrorists and violent extremists, on four persons in Plateau and Zamfara States.
Army spokesman, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
TheFact Daily learns that one Mrs. Rosemary Jekpe was kidnapped at her residence in Abuja Layout, Bukuru Low Cost Housing in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, but was rescued at Rafinbuna Village in Bassa Local Government Area also in Plateau State.
She was however, rescued by troops deployed in Jos South Local Government of Plateau State, after a firefight with the kidnappers. The troops recovered one AK – 47 rifle and 2 motorbikes from the kidnappers.
Troops also conducted a targeted raid on a suspected criminal enclave at Zamtip Village in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following actionable intelligence. During the operation, troops successfully apprehended one of the criminals, while another, in a bid to evade arrest shot and killed himself.
Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, 5 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 2 empty cases of 7.62mm, 3 sim cards and one jack knife from the criminals.
In another operation, this time in Zamfara State, troops in a prompt response to a distress call foiled the abduction of 3 persons by violent extremists on the outskirts of Kwatarkwashi Village in Gusau Local Government Area. Troops engaged and overpowered the extremists in the shootout that followed, forcing them to abandon their victims who were immediately rescued by the troops. One of the victims however, sustained injury and has been evacuated to a hospital for further medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
In South Eastern Nigeria, following receipt of credible reports on Monday 18 March 2024, of the establishment of a new camp by IPOB /ESN militants, troops conducted a sting operation that led to the elimination of an IPOB/ESN militant in the new hideout in Ihiteukwa community, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
The militants, notorious for their reign of terror in the State, were engaged in a gun duel by the troops, resulting in the elimination of one of them, while others took to their heels. Troops have destroyed the terrorists’ camp and are on the trail of the fleeing militants. A fabricated single barrel gun was recovered from the militant.
The Nigerian Army in its statement reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens, while sincerely extending gratitude to “vigilant members of the public, whose cooperation remains instrumental in ongoing efforts to combat insurgency, terrorism and sundry criminality across the nation”.
