The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational successes across multiple theatres, with the rescue of 10 prospective National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members in Imo State and the neutralisation of 16 terrorists in Adamawa State. The operations also led to the recovery of weapons and the arrest of several suspected terrorists in other parts of the country.
According to an operational report, troops of Operation UDO KA rescued the 10 prospective corps members abducted along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. The attack occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on October 1, when suspected kidnappers attacked two commercial buses. Personnel of the 34 Artillery Brigade, in collaboration with the Navy, Air Force, Police and DSS, launched a coordinated operation that led to the recovery of the buses and rescue of victims.
In Adamawa State, troops repelled simultaneous attacks by terrorists on 226 Battalion in Garkida, Gombi LGA, and 232 Battalion in Garaha, Hong LGA, at about 1 a.m. The Army said the terrorists fled towards Garkida on motorcycles before a Spartan element pursued and neutralised 16 of them. Three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines and cartridges were recovered.
In Taraba State, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE responded to an attack on Gwamagira settlement in Karim Lamido LGA, forcing the attackers who came on motorcycles to retreat. The troops recovered rustled cattle and returned them to their owners. However, one civilian was reportedly killed and three others abducted, with rescue operations still ongoing.
The Army also recorded arrests in the North-East. In Yobe State, troops of Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI, arrested a suspected ISWAP operative at Babbangida in Tarmuwa LGA on September 29. The suspect, who claimed to be an Islamic cleric from Sahara area of Niger Republic, was found with a mobile phone, prayer mat, blanket, jacket, slate, detergent and N396,200. Four other suspected terrorists were arrested by troops of Sector 4 during a fighting patrol in Hong LGA, Adamawa State.
Similarly, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA engaged terrorists along the Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa LGA of Sokoto State, forcing them to withdraw and establishing stronger patrols in the area. The military said operations are continuing across Imo, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe and Sokoto to rescue remaining victims and sustain pressure on criminal elements.
