Troops of the Nigerian Army has neutralised two kidnappers and one terrorist, the rescue of a hostage in counter-terrorism operations across the country in collaboration with vigilante forces.
The army in a statement issued Friday said the successful operations demonstrate the commitment and effectiveness of Nigerian Army troops in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
It said: “Troops of the Nigerian Army in a series of well-coordinated counter-terrorism operations across the country in collaboration with vigilante forces have made significant progress in curtailing the activities of terrorists and kidnappers.
“These operations resulted in the neutralisation of two kidnappers and one terrorist, the rescue of a hostage, and the recovery of a cache of arms and other assorted items.”
The army noted that in Edo State, troops swiftly responded to a distress call reporting the kidnap of Mr Eritobor Stephen in Ekowe Community, Ovia South Local Government Area on Wednesday, 24 July 2024.
It added that troops on sighting the kidnappers engaged them in a gun battle, neutralising two of the kidnappers, while others took to their heels, fleeing towards the border between Edo and Ondo states.
It noted: “Unknown to the fleeing kidnappers, troops in Ondo State were alerted of their movement, prompting them to lay an ambush along the escape route for the fleeing kidnappers.
“The effort led to the arrest of the kidnappers around Akotogbo in Ese Odo Local Government Area.”
It stressed that the troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated pistol, an AK-47 rifle magazine, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two wraps of substance suspected to be marijuana.
The army stated: “In a separate operation in Kaduna State, troops conducting a clearance operation intercepted a fleeing terrorist who abandoned his motorbike upon sighting the troops.
“Further exploit of the general area led to the neutralisation of another terrorist also attempting to escape on a motorbike. The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, seven rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a mobile phone from the terrorist.
“Additionally, five new motorbikes and a magazine loaded with 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered during an extensive search of the area.”