The Nigerian Army rescued 21 kidnapped victims and arrested seven suspected terrorists, cattle rustlers and other criminals in separate operations across the country.
In an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, the military said the operations were conducted between Monday and Wednesday.
The military said the troops of 223 Battalion under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued 21 kidnapped victims after engaging terrorists in Fafala and Dandikwa villages in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi.
It said the troops forced the terrorists to abandon the victims and flee, after which the rescued persons were reunited with their families.
It added that troops of 171 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorists around Yantumaki in Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
It said the suspects reportedly disclosed that they were associates of a terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori and were handed over to the police.
“In Plateau, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) arrested three suspected cattle rustlers during a raid on their hideouts at Perka Village, Mangu LGA.
“The troops also recovered 27 suspected rustled cattle, which were moved to a secure location while local Fulani leaders were invited to assist in identifying their owners.
“In Kaduna State, OPEP troops rescued a minor after engaging criminals who abducted a mother and her child at Ungwan Nungu Village, Sanga LGA.
“The criminals abandoned the child and fled after troops engaged them at Tayu high grounds in Tayu Village.
“The rescued child was reunited with the father, while efforts were ongoing to rescue the mother and apprehend the perpetrators,” it said.
The report further revealed that troops of 195 Battalion apprehended an impostor wearing military camouflage along the Okene-Auchi road in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo.
According to the report, the suspect was handed over to the police for further investigation.
It added that troops of 12 Brigade apprehended a suspected illegal miner while allegedly moving mining equipment by boat along the River Niger corridor in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi.
“The suspect and recovered mining equipment were kept in military custody for further action.
“Meanwhile, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested a suspected terrorist in the Sai general area of Katsina-Ala LGA, Benue.
“In Nasarawa State, troops of the operation also raided a suspected terrorist enclave at Nunku in Akwanga LGA, recovering three locally fabricated Dane guns, 13 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and six cartridges,” it added.