Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 11 kidnapped victims and recovered arms and other items during coordinated operations across the North-West and North-Central zones of the country.
A senior source at the Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday that the operations were carried out under Operations Fansan Yamma, MESA, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke.
According to the source, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma successfully rescued two truck drivers who were abducted along the Magami–Gusau road in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
“The terrorists were forced to abandon the victims during a hot pursuit by troops through their withdrawal routes,” the source said.
In Sokoto State, the source disclosed that soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle after acting on intelligence provided by residents.
“In Sokoto State, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle abandoned on farmland at Garin Hilo village, Sabon Birni Local Government Area, following actionable intelligence from locals,” the source added.
The Army also recorded successes under Operation MESA in Kogi and Kwara States, where troops worked alongside local vigilantes to free abducted persons.
“Under Operation MESA, troops, working with vigilantes, rescued nine kidnapped victims in Kogi and Kwara States,” the source said.
It explained that three farmers kidnapped at Ojiwo Egume community in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State were rescued, with a motorcycle recovered during the operation.
“Three farmers abducted at Ojiwo Egume community in Dekina LGA were rescued alongside a motorcycle,” the source stated.
In Kwara State, six villagers abducted from Ikosin village in Ifelodun Local Government Area were also freed after sustained pressure on the kidnappers.
“Six villagers kidnapped at Ikosin village, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara, were freed after a hot pursuit that forced the kidnappers to flee and abandon two motorcycles,” the source said.
However, the Army said efforts were still ongoing to rescue additional victims abducted during a road construction project in the same local government area.
“Efforts are ongoing to rescue four other victims abducted at Owa Onire in Ifelodun LGA during a road project,” the source added.
The Army source further noted that troops had adjusted operations in parts of Taraba State and other flashpoints to restore peace and maintain security nationwide.
The military said it remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety of citizens across the country.
