Troops rescue 13 kidnapped victims, intercept terrorist ammunition

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The Nigerian Army says troops have rescued 13 kidnapped victims, intercepted 300 rounds of ammunition and neutralised a suspected kidnapper in separate operations nationwide.

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The military operational update made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday covered significant occurrences between Sept. 9 and Sept. 10.

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The report stated that the operations also disrupted illegal bunkering, recovered suspected illegally refined petroleum products and intercepted a trailer conveying illegally mined ilmenite.

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Under Operation MESA, it said the troops of 195 Battalion rescued 10 kidnapped victims and recovered the corpse of another victim in Elon/Ikakumo Forest, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo.

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The report added that the rescued victims and recovered corpse were handed over to the police at Ibilolo Division for further action.

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Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, it said the troops of Sector 6 neutralised a suspected kidnapper at Angwan Boka, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.

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According to the report, other suspected kidnappers fled following the engagement, while troops recovered a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and six rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

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“In another operation, troops responded to sporadic shootings by suspected kidnappers along the Jos-Makurdi road in Riyom.

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“The intervention forced the criminals to abandon three abducted persons who sustained gunshot wounds, while the kidnappers fled with two other victims.

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“The rescued victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre, Riyom, for medical attention, while efforts continued to rescue the two remaining abductees,” it said.

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The report further revealed that troops of Sector 8 conducted a fighting patrol to Kogul village, Mangu Local Government Area, where they engaged suspected militias.

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It said the troops forced the suspected militias to withdraw, while one soldier sustained a gunshot wound and was evacuated to General Hospital, Mangu, for treatment.

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According to the report, troops intercepted four cattle found grazing on a farmland without a herder in Manja community, Mangu, while the cattle were taken into military custody for further action.

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Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the report said troops apprehended a suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Buruku town, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna.

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According to the report, the female suspect was apprehended with 300 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition concealed in her bag.

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It revealed that preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect travelled from Zamfara to Lafia, where she allegedly received the ammunition for onward delivery to Birnin Gwari.

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“Under Joint Task Force South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, troops of 6 Division Garrison, arrested a suspected illegal bunkerer at Omoku, Rivers.

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“The suspect was intercepted with a vehicle conveying eight 200-litre gallons containing substance suspected to be illegally refined automotive gas oil.

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“In another operation, troops discovered three illegal refining sites in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers.

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“The sites contained crude oil, suspected illegally refined AGO, reservoirs, ovens, pipes and other equipment used for illegal refining activities.

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“The troops recovered about 320 litres of stolen crude oil in six sacks and 1,080 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO,” the report said.

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It added that troops of 246 Battalion intercepted a trailer conveying illegally mined ilmenite along the Tuomo-Bomadi road, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta.

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It said the trailer was subsequently moved to Headquarters Sector 1, JTF South South, for further action.

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According to the report, the operation also recorded the recovery and burial of the corpse of a soldier who accidentally fell into the waters from a houseboat at Agoubiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa, on Sept. 6.

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“In another development, troops of 63 Brigade Garrison arrested three suspected impostors wearing woodland camouflage and carrying plastic rifles along Infant Jesus Road, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta.

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“The suspects claimed to be artists filming comedy skits, while 63 Provost Company commenced investigation into the source of the military kits.

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“The suspects are expected to be handed over to the police for further action,” it added.

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(NAN)

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