Troops rescue 117 hostages, arrest 150 suspects in nationwide operations
Story by Jessica Mbamah
The Defence Headquarters on Friday said troops in separate operations across the country rescued 117 hostages and arrested 150 suspected criminals, including terrorists, oil thieves, and other wanted persons, within the past week.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed in a statement that the successes followed renewed operational strategies, which have improved security and allowed farmers to return to their fields without hindrance. He assured that the momentum would be sustained throughout the farming season and beyond.
In the North East, Kangye said troops arrested 11 terrorist collaborators, rescued five hostages, and recorded the surrender of one fighter linked to the Abu Ayuba syndicate in Kwayari village, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State on August 20.
He added that several ammunition, logistics supplies, illicit drugs, vehicles, motorcycles, and the sum of ₦70,050 were recovered, while improvised explosive devices were safely detonated in Abadam, Gwoza, and Mobbar LGAs.
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Similarly, in the North West, troops arrested 35 suspected terrorists and rescued 76 hostages during clearance operations.
Meanwhile, In the South East, nine suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) were arrested in operations across Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Anambra States.
Kangye further disclosed that troops in the South South arrested 48 suspects, including 33 oil thieves, and destroyed 12 illegal refining sites. Recovered products were valued at ₦443,153,650 and included 294,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 188,450 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Troops also discovered 13 crude oil cooking ovens, 19 dugout pits, eight boats, 16 storage tanks, pumping machines, and other items.
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He said additional operations in Delta and Rivers States led to the arrest of 13 suspected criminals and the rescue of two kidnapped victims in Sapele, Aniocha North, Ughelli, Ahoada, and Onelga LGAs.
Kangye reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain committed to tackling insecurity and sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the country.
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