Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered 12 rifles and rescued 10 kidnapped victims following moves by three suspected terrorists to surrender in Kwara.
An operational report said the development followed sustained operations around Gbugbu Forest and adjoining communities in Edu Local Government Area of the state.
The report said the three suspected terrorists, identified as Auta Ilori, Dan Karemi and Ori Gambali, indicated willingness to surrender their weapons and release captives.
It said troops of 22 Brigade, working with the Department of State Services (DSS), engaged the suspects through their emissaries.
According to the report, the engagement led to the recovery of 12 rifles of different types and the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims as the first stage of the surrender process.
The report said the rescued victims and recovered weapons were in military custody, while the surrender process remained ongoing.
“In a related development, troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) arrested a suspected armed robber at Bisichi Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
“The suspect was apprehended at about 7.05 p.m. on Nov. 13 with an AK-47 rifle and 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
“Similarly, troops of the operation engaged suspected terrorists riding motorcycles along the Kukawa-Shuwaka-Yelwa Road in Wase Local Government Area.
“The troops neutralised one suspected terrorist and recovered two motorcycles and a mobile phone, while other members of the group fled,” it said.
The report said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Composite Team arrested two suspected terrorist logistics couriers at Kwatan Mayo Renewo in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba.
It said the suspects were allegedly responsible for transporting logistics, including weapons, across River Benue to a terrorist leader identified as Hayatu, operating around the Taraba-Plateau-Bauchi border.
According to the report, preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects had repeatedly ferried weapons between Karim-Lamido and Ardo-Kola Local Government Areas.
“Troops recovered two mobile phones, a knife, suspected illicit substances and N83,200 from them.
“In another operation, troops of 6 Brigade, working with the DIA team, raided the residence of a suspected arms courier in Wukari Local Government Area.
“The operation, conducted on Nov. 13, led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle following the suspect’s arrest in Jalingo on Oct. 20,” it added.
The report said all arrested suspects and recovered items were in military custody for further action. (NAN)