The Nigerian Army has arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN commander, rescued 12 kidnap victims, and neutralised several terrorists in coordinated operations conducted across multiple theatres within the last 24 hours.
A reliable source at the Army Headquarters disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that the operations were carried out in synergy with sister services and other security agencies.
According to the source, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, in a joint operation, stormed a hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, where they apprehended the suspected IPOB/ESN kingpin.
Items recovered during the operation included one English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one cartridge, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, and a German flag.
The source further revealed that troops uncovered a workshop where stolen vehicles were dismantled for resale. Ten motorcycles were also destroyed at the scene.
On anti-kidnap operations, troops rescued five kidnapped persons in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa, another five in Kukasheka Ward, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, and two others in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Additionally, troops neutralised two terrorists in separate encounters in Katsina, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle. One violent extremist was also eliminated in Benue, with a mobile phone and charms recovered.
“Troops also arrested 11 suspects across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States for offences ranging from armed robbery and gun-running to violent extremist activities. Additionally, 40 rustled cattle were recovered in Plateau and returned to their rightful owners,” the source said.
He added that the successes were made possible through sustained collaboration between the Nigerian Army, sister services, and other security agencies, stressing that the army remained committed to creating a safe environment to boost agriculture and socio-economic development in line with the Federal Government’s food security drive.
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