The Nigerian military has rescued 11 kidnapped victims and arrested 21 suspected terrorists, collaborators, logistics suppliers and drug traffickers during coordinated security operations conducted across Borno, Zamfara and Kogi states.
Operational reports made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday indicated that the operations, carried out under Operation HADIN KAI, Operation Fansan Yamma and Operation MESA between July 21 and 22, also resulted in the discovery and destruction of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by terrorist groups.
According to the reports, troops of Operation HADIN KAI apprehended three suspected logistics suppliers linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) around New Abbaram Resettlement Village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Items recovered from the suspects included 3.5 litres of groundnut oil, kola nuts, salt and 76 sachets of coconut flavouring, which security operatives believe were being transported to terrorist camps.
The military also disclosed that troops in Gwoza received two teenage girls who escaped from the Grazah terrorist enclave located within the Mandara Mountains before surrendering to security personnel.
In a separate operation, troops discovered two primed improvised explosive devices planted by terrorists along the Dambua–Bulabulin–Kumala Road.
The devices were safely detonated by military explosives experts before they could be used to target security personnel or road users.
The report further stated that another booby-trapped IED was uncovered along the Cross Kauwa–Kekeno–Monguno Road, while fragments of the explosive device were recovered for forensic examination.
Meanwhile, in Monguno, security operatives arrested 12 suspected drug dealers during raids on criminal hideouts.
The operation led to the recovery of quantities of cannabis, tramadol and other prohibited substances.
In Zamfara State, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma engaged suspected terrorists along the Gambada–Gummi–Sokoto Road.
The gun battle forced the attackers to abandon 11 kidnapped victims and flee into nearby bushes, leaving behind a motorcycle recovered by the troops.
In Kogi State, troops arrested a suspected terrorist informant who reportedly confessed to working for a notorious terrorist commander identified as Kachallah Babangida.
Security operatives also apprehended three additional suspected terrorists during separate operations carried out in Adavi and Lokoja Local Government Areas.
The military further disclosed that two suspected logistics couriers were arrested while transporting food items, beverages and cigarettes allegedly intended for terrorists operating within the state.
The reports also indicated that search and rescue efforts remain ongoing to secure the release of two persons abducted by gunmen in Owo, Ondo State.
During the operation, troops recovered a bicycle and bags of charcoal allegedly abandoned by a fleeing logistics supplier.
The military stated that the coordinated operations demonstrate its sustained commitment to dismantling terrorist logistics networks, rescuing kidnapped victims and restricting the operational capabilities of criminal groups across different theatres of operation.
