ARMY RESCUES 16 ABDUCTED PERSONS, RECOVERS 38 MOTORCYCLES IN NIGER, KEBBI
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 16 abducted persons and recovered arms, ammunition, cash and 38 motorcycles during security operations in Niger and Kebbi states.
The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, disclosed this in a statement, explaining that the operation followed intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists in Niger State.
According to him, troops laid an ambush along the route from Mashegu Local Government Area to Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area, engaged the suspected terrorists and rescued the victims. An unspecified number of the criminals were also neutralised.
The troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three rocket-propelled grenade bombs, ammunition, 33 motorcycles and N4.1 million during the operation.
In a separate operation on November 3, troops intercepted suspected terrorists moving from Makuku Village in Kebbi State towards Tungan Kawo in Niger State. The suspects reportedly fled into the forest after an exchange of gunfire.
A follow-up search led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone and N644,300.
The Army said the rescued victims received first aid and were handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families.
The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to sustain the operations to rid the affected communities of criminal elements.