Troops ‌‌Intercept 43 ISWAP Family Members, Rescue 9 Kidnap Victims

Nigerian troops have intercepted 44 family members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and rescued nine kidnapped victims in separate operations across the country.

The operations also led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers and collaborators and the recovery of several weapons and ammunition, according to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The report said troops of 222 Battalion intercepted 43 ISWAP terrorist family members at Kawuri, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno.

It said preliminary investigation revealed that the group escaped from terrorist captivity in Yuwe during clashes between JAS and ISWAP terrorists.

According to the report, the intercepted persons were subsequently handed over to 7 Multinational Intervention Brigade for further action.

It added that troops of 192 Battalion intercepted a female ISWAP terrorist family member along the Gwoza-Limankara road in Gwoza Local Government Area.

The report said preliminary investigation revealed that the woman escaped from a terrorist enclave in Chikide, on the Mandara Mountains.

“In another development, troops of 1 Brigade rescued five kidnapped victims, including the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara, from suspected terrorists’ captivity.

“The victims were rescued at a suspected terrorist camp around Sekpore village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, after troops established blocking positions around Sekpore and Sabon Gari,” it said.

The report said the victims had recently been relocated from Abaniyawa terrorist camp following military pressure, while several other victims escaped during the operation.

It said that one of the rescued victims was reunited with his family, while the others were evacuated to 1 Brigade Medical Centre for medical attention.

The report further revealed that troops of Counter-Terrorism 4, in another operation along the Gusau-Sokoto road, responded to a terrorist attack on a vehicle and engaged the attackers.

It added that the terrorists fled into surrounding bushes, enabling the troops to rescue four civilian occupants of the vehicle.

“In Borno, troops of 149 Battalion and Civilian Joint Task Force arrested a suspected kidnapper at Gubio town and recovered an AK-47 rifle.

“The suspect subsequently led troops to Ardimini village, where they recovered an AK-47 magazine loaded with 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

“Troops of 159 Task Force Battalion and Nigerian Forest Guards also arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator at Geidam market, recovering a mobile phone and N296,000,” it said.

The report further said troops of Operation Savannah Shield raided a suspected terrorist camp at Alogomo, Edu Local Government Area of Niger.

It said the terrorists reportedly fled before troops arrived, while the troops recovered an AK-47 magazine containing eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and destroyed the camp.

According to the report, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested two suspected kidnappers along the Otukpo-Makurdi road in Benue and recovered an AK-47 rifle, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a motorcycle.

“Troops also arrested a suspected gunrunner at Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area, as well as two suspected impostors in Benue and Taraba.

“In a related operation, troops in Edo, working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), destroyed two cannabis farms at Oke Camp and Eko Camp 1 and 2 in Esan South-East Local Government Area.

“Four suspects were arrested and fresh and dried cannabis recovered before the suspects and exhibits were handed over to the NDLEA,” it added. (NAN)