Troops of the Nigerian Army have carried out a targeted raid on a suspected criminal enclave at Zamtip Village in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following actionable intelligence.
A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday, said the troops, during the operation, successfully apprehended one of the criminals, while another, in a bid to evade arrest, shot and killed himself.
He said troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, 5 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 2 empty cases of 7.62mm, 3 sim cards and one Jackknife from the criminals.
In another operation, in Zamfara State, Nwachukwu said troops in a prompt response to a distress call, foiled the abduction of three persons by violent extremists at the outskirts of Kwatarkwashi Village in Gusau LGA.
According to him, the troops engaged and overpowered the extremists in the shootout that followed, forcing them to abandon three kidnap victims, who were immediately rescued by the troops.
One of the victims, he said, sustained injuries and has been evacuated to a hospital for further medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
In South Eastern Nigeria, troops of the Nigerian Army responding to intelligence report of the establishment of a new camp by IPOB /ESN militants, on Monday neutralized an IPOB/ESN militant in a sting operation in the new hideout in Ihiteukwa community, Orsu LGA of Imo State.
The militants, notorious for their reign of terror in the state, were engaged in a gun duel by the troops, resulting in the elimination of one of them, while others took to their heels.
Nwachukwu stressed that the Nigerian Army is dedicated to safeguarding lives and property of all citizens.
“We sincerely extend our gratitude to vigilant members of the public, whose cooperation remains instrumental in ongoing efforts to combat insurgency, terrorism and sundry criminality across the nation,” he added.