Troops of the Nigerian Army on Thursday, 18 April, foiled a kidnap attempt on one Mr Musa Arewa by three armed kidnappers in Lankaviri community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The Army disclosed this in a Friday statement.
According to the Army, the operation is one of a series of successful operations by troops deployed for counter-terrorism counter-insurgency operations in the North East and North Central, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens and maintaining peace and security in the regions.
“The kidnappers, having rigorously tortured their victim, were intercepted by the troops, as they attempted to smuggle him into a nearby bush.
“The suspected kidnappers were arrested, and three locally fabricated guns were recovered from them,” the statement said.
It added, “In another jointly coordinated effort with hunters and other security agencies, the troops conducted a fighting patrol to clear communities infiltrated by terrorists. During the clearance operation, troops neutralised a notorious terrorist, identified as Gambo Kachallah, who has been terrorising the communities.
“The affected communities include Garau, Paskere, Tella, Jukun, Farin Ruwa, Mashingi, Jeb Jeb, and Rafin Kada Villages in Karim Lamido Local Government of Taraba State.
The Army said the troops equally successfully apprehended a notorious syndicate specialised in cattle rustling in Plateau State.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the troops conducted a sting operation targeting the terrorists’ enclave in Mangu Village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The operation culminated in a decisive fire engagement with the terrorists, resulting in their arrest and the recovery of illicit arms,” the statement further read.
The arrested suspects identified as Peter Sale, Enoch Luka, and Hosaana Philibus, are believed to be key members of the cattle rustling syndicate.
“Additionally, the troops recovered one fabricated rifle, one fabricated pistol, 7 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, a motorbike and 2 phones from the suspects.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the regions,” the statement also read.