Troops foiled multiple kidnap attempts in Plateau, Zamfara —Army

The Nigerian Army has thwarted several kidnapping attempts across Plateau and Zamfara States, as well as eliminated militants affiliated with IPOB/ESN in Imo State.

Army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu conveyed this information in a statement released on Tuesday from Abuja.

Nwachukwu disclosed that on Tuesday, troops rescued Rosemary Jekpe, who was abducted from her residence in Abuja Layout, Bukuru Low-Cost Housing Estate, located in Jos South Local Government of Plateau State.

The rescue operation took place at Rafinbuna village in the Bassa Local Government Area of the state, where a confrontation with the kidnappers ensued, resulting in the safe recovery of the victim. Additionally, the troops seized one AK-47 rifle and two motorcycles from the criminals during the operation.

Nwachukwu said the troops also conducted a targeted raid on a suspected criminal enclave in Zamtip village in the Wase Local Government Area of the state following actionable intelligence.

He said one criminal was apprehended while another, in a bid to evade arrest, shot and killed himself during the operation.

According to him, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, two empty cases of 7.62mm, three SIM cards and one Jackknife from the criminals.

The army spokesman said the troops in another operation in Zamfara foiled the abduction of three persons by violent extremists at the outskirts of Kwatarkwashi in Gusau Local Government Area.

According to him, troops overpowered the extremists in a shootout, forcing them to abandon the three kidnap victims.

He said a victim who sustained injury was evacuated to a hospital for medical attention while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.

In South-Eastern Nigeria, Mr Nwachukwu said the troops, on Monday, neutralised one IPOB/ESN militant in a sting operation in Ihiteukwa community, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.

He said the troops responded to an intelligence report of the establishment of a new camp by the militants notorious for their reign of terror in the state.

“They were engaged in a gun duel by the troops, resulting in the elimination of one of them, while others took to their heels.

“Troops have destroyed the terrorists’ camp and are on the trail of the fleeing militants.

“Troops recovered a fabricated single barrel gun from the militants,” said Mr Nwachukwu.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens.