Residents of Niger State can report suspected terrorist movements and kidnapping activities to security agencies as the Nigerian Army intensifies operations against criminal groups operating across the state and neighbouring communities.
The latest operations led to the rescue of 16 kidnapped victims, the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, three rocket-propelled grenade bombs, 33 motorcycles, ammunition and more than N4.7m in cash.
The Army said the operations followed intelligence reports about the movement of armed groups between communities in Niger and Kebbi states.
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In a statement on Friday, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, said troops carried out an ambush on November 5 after receiving information about terrorists moving from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to the statement, the troops positioned themselves along suspected routes used by the armed men and engaged them after making contact.
“The troops made contact with the criminals, who had earlier abducted residents of the area, neutralising an unconfirmed number and rescuing 16 victims,” the Army said.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of “two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and ₦4,105,000 in cash”.
The Army disclosed that another operation was conducted on November 3 after troops intercepted terrorists travelling from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State towards Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.
It said the troops engaged the suspected terrorists in a gun battle, forcing them to withdraw into a nearby forest.
“The troops engaged the criminals in a fierce firefight, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
A search of the area afterwards led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, N644,300 and other items.
The Army said the 16 rescued victims had received first aid and were handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families.
“The 16 rescued victims have received first aid and have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families, while recovered items remain in military custody for further action,” it added.
The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience and commitment to duty, urging them to sustain the operations and intensify efforts to rid the area of criminal elements.
The Army said the operations reflected improved capacity to respond to security threats through the expansion of its formations and increased presence in vulnerable areas.
“The successes underscore the growing operational capacity of the Nigerian Army through the expansion of its formations, enhanced presence and improved ability to respond swiftly to security threats, protect communities and disrupt the logistics and activities of criminal networks,” the statement added.
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Reporting for Galaxy TV from Lagos and Abuja, covering energy and national affairs across Nigeria and West Africa
