In a series of coordinated operations, the Nigerian Army has rescued multiple kidnap victims and arrested several suspected Boko Haram commanders and terrorist logistic suppliers. These operations span across various states, demonstrating a robust military response to ongoing security challenges.
In a statement shared on X.com, the Nigerian Army disclosed that soldiers successfully rescued an abducted former Local Government chairman and apprehended a notorious kidnapping kingpin in Egbe Community, Yagba Local Government Area, Kogi State.
“The suspect, Mohammed Bello, who belonged to a seven-man syndicate specialized in kidnapping unsuspecting citizens, has been on the security agencies’ wanted criminals’ watchlist,” the statement read. “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, in Ebonyi State, soldiers thwarted a kidnap attempt in Ezza-Umuhuali Village, Ishielu Local Government Area, arresting a suspect found with an Automated Teller Machine card, 48 different international passports, and other items.
Additionally, the army reported that troops in Borno State captured two key Boko Haram commanders, Bana Yamode and Babagana Usman, who were linked to numerous attacks on military installations. “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 claimed they were visiting their families in the camp,” the statement added.
In the same operation, the troops also arrested two suspected Boko Haram logistic suppliers, Mustapha Ismaila, 49, and Abdulmudalabi Haruna, 30, and rescued two minors.
Meanwhile, 50 Boko Haram suspects and their families surrendered to soldiers stationed in Bama, Gwoza, and Dikwa Local Government Areas, following intensified military operations against the terrorists.
In Yobe State, three Boko Haram collaborators, involved in kidnapping and armed robbery, were arrested at Gubio Market in Gubio Local Government Area. In Jigawa State, troops apprehended 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.
Additionally, in Plateau State, the army arrested five suspected cultists and another individual involved in motorcycle theft.
Commending the troops, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja praised their commitment to combating terrorism and insurgency. He urged the public to support security agencies by providing credible information to enhance the effectiveness of ongoing operations.
