Counter terrorism squad
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 26 suspected victims of human trafficking in Benue, freed a kidnapped woman in Kogi, and arrested a high-profile suspected terrorist leader in Kaduna during series of coordinated security operations across the country.
The operational success was detailed in an official report made available on Sunday.
According to the report, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, in a joint operation with the police and local vigilantes, raided a suspected human trafficking syndicate in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue on Friday.
The raid resulted in the rescue of 26 victims and the arrest of one suspect, both of whom have been handed over to the police for further investigation.
In Kaduna State, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma apprehended a suspected terrorist leader, identified as Yusuf Iliya San, at Maraban Kakini on Saturday. San is reportedly linked to multiple criminal activities across the Birnin Gwari axis and remains in military custody.
Additionally, troops along the Dogon Dawa-Takama route in Birnin Gwari successfully repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on Saturday.
The fleeing assailants abandoned an AK-47 rifle, 15 rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, and a mobile phone. One soldier sustained injuries during the engagement and was evacuated for medical treatment.
In Kogi State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, collaborating with forest guards, rescued a kidnapped woman at Ette in Olamaboro Local Government Area after her abductors fled upon sighting the security personnel.
She has since been reunited with her family. In a separate operation along the Okene-Okpella road, troops recovered an AK-47 magazine, 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and other items.
Further security breakthroughs were recorded in Abia, where troops partnering with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested three suspected drug dealers in Obehie, Ukwa West Local Government Area, recovering various illicit substances.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded to an incident in Magi Mbar village, Bokkos Local Government Area, where suspected kidnappers killed a vigilante member.
The assailants fled into the surrounding terrain as troops arrived, with search operations currently underway to apprehend the perpetrators.
The Nigerian military noted that these joint interventions form part of ongoing sustained operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, curbing terrorism, kidnapping, and human trafficking nationwide.
