Troops rescue 28 kidnap victims, nab pipeline vandals

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army troops have rescued 28 kidnapped victims in Katsina and Zamfara.

The troops also arrested three suspected pipeline vandals in Rivers and neutralised two suspected criminals in Bauchi.

This is contained in an operational report detailing military activities across several theatres between Thursday and Friday, made available on Saturday.

The report said that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued 27 victims kidnapped by suspected terrorists in Gamji community, Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, at about 12;25 a:m., on Friday.

It said the rescued victims were handed over to the community leader, Alhaji Falalu Suleiman, for further action.

The report also revealed that troops responding to an attack on farmers in Dutsen Maru community, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara, forced the attackers to flee and abandon one kidnapped victim.

According to the report, troops rescued the victim and recovered three motorcycles and a donkey.

It further said that in Rivers, troops of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, arrested three suspects over an alleged vandalisation and removal of pipelines belonging to the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC) along the Bonny export line serving the Port Harcourt refinery.

“The operation took place at Okochiri community, Okrika Local Government Area, on Thursday.

“The troops recovered 210 pieces of vandalised pipes, 12 boats, five motorcycles, six batteries, a generator, a fire extinguisher and two heavy-duty metal-cutting machines,” it said.

The report added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the suspected buyer.

It also said that troops of Operation MESA, acting on intelligence about ransom payment to kidnappers, engaged and neutralised two suspected criminals in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

According to the report, troops also arrested a herder and his son over an alleged killing in Jimpi village, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area in separate operation.

The report further said that troops of Operation Enduring Peace recovered the body of a civilian who had been kidnapped on Oct. 14 in Gwol-Hoss community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.

“The decomposing body was discovered along the Gwol-Hoss-Makera Road on Friday and evacuated by family members for burial,” it said.

The report said that troops responding to an attack on illegal miners at Makale mining site in Bokkos Local Government Area also found two bodies, while the assailants fled on sighting the troops.

According to the report, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of both incidents.

It added that troops of the 17 Brigade engaged armed terrorists on motorcycles in Kurba village, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina state, forcing them to abandon one motorcycle.

“The operations form part of ongoing efforts to rescue abducted persons, combat violent crime, protect critical infrastructure and strengthen security across the country,” it said.

(NAN)