Tag: troops

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Troops kill five kidnappers, rescue woman in Plateau raid

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have eliminated five suspected kidnappers and rescued an abducted woman during a coordinated raid on a criminal hideout in Angwan Boka, Sopp District of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The operation, carried out last Tuesday evening, followed an actionable intelligence obtained from two suspects arrested a day earlier on February 16. The suspects, identified as members of a kidnapping syndicate terrorising the area, reportedly provided details that led the troops to the gang’s hideout.

According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the troops stormed the location and immediately came under fire from the kidnappers. A fierce gun battle ensued, during which four of the suspects were neutralised.

In a dramatic turn during the firefight, the two suspects, earlier arrested, attempted to overpower the soldiers and escape custody, but were subdued and neutralised as well.

Recovered items from the scene included three mobile phones, N17,600 in cash, and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.

The abducted victim, identified as Hauwa Suleiman, was found unharmed. She was debriefed by security operatives before being reunited with her family.

Captain Oteh noted that the troops have intensified offensive operations in the area to track down fleeing members of the syndicate and dismantle the remaining criminal network.

The Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, commended the troops for their swift response and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies in the ongoing fight against banditry and insurgency. (ThisDay)

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Army foils bandits’ movement, neutralises three in Kogi

Troops of the Nigerian Army 12 Brigade, Lokoja, have foiled bandits’ movement in Kogi, neutralising three suspects and arresting one logistics supplier.

The action is disclosed in a statement by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, on Sunday in Lokoja.

Abdullahi said the coordinated operation occurred on Saturday, January 3, as part of ongoing efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping.

He said fighting patrols and ambushes were conducted in Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of the state.

“Troops ambushed bandits moving toward Agbadu Bunu, neutralising two and recovering arms, including an AK-47 rifle and ammunition,” he said.

According to him, the troops acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area.

“They ran into our ambush and were engaged, forcing them to withdraw with indications of casualties, as blood stains were observed,” Abdullahi said.

He said two bandits were neutralised, while an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, ammunition, a locally fabricated gun and cartridges were recovered.

Abdullahi added that troops, working with local vigilantes in Yagba West, engaged bandits around Saminaka village.

“One bandit was neutralised during the encounter, and an AK-47 rifle with ammunition was recovered,” he said.

He also disclosed the arrest of a suspected bandit logistics supplier, identified as Sunday Adedotun.

“Items recovered from his settlement included energy drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, and harvested farm produce,” Abdullahi said.

He said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing investigation.

Abdullahi stressed that the operations demonstrate sustained pressure on criminals and their support networks.

He said the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, commended the troops’ professionalism, courage, and swift response to intelligence.

The commander assured continued aggressive patrols and operations to deny criminals freedom of action in the state. (Guardian)

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Attempted Coup: Senate approves troops deployment to Benin Republic

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin in support of efforts to restore peace and stability following last weekend’s attempted coup.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced this on Tuesday during plenary after lawmakers considered the request in the Committee of the Whole in line with section 5, Part 11 of the Constitution.

The Senators unanimously voted in favour of the deployment, giving legislative backing for the regional security intervention.

Akpabio described the decision as a step in the right direction, noting that instability in any neighboring state poses a threat to the entire region.

“An injury to one is an injury to all,” the lawmaker said.

He underscored that it is Nigeria’s responsibility to support its Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) partner.

The Senate’s consent letter will be transmitted to President Tinubu immediately.

Tinubu had written to the Senate, seeking their approval for the deployment of troops to the Benin Republic. He said that Nigeria has a historical responsibility to support Benin under the existing Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) security frameworks.

According to the President, the crisis demands “urgent external intervention” to help restore stability and prevent further breakdown of order.

Benin Republic’s attempted coup occurred on Sunday, when some military personnel announced the removal of President Patrice Talon. (Channels)