Troops “Thwart Attempts At Kidnapping” In Plateau, Zamfara, Imo

According to the Nigerian Army (NA), its soldiers have stopped many attempts at kidnapping in the states of Imo, Zamfara, and the Plateau.

The director of army public relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, stated in a statement on Tuesday that Rosemary Jekpe, who had been abducted from her home in Jos South LGA of the Plateau's Abuja Layout, Bukuru Low Cost Housing Estate, had been freed by the agents.

Nwachukwu stated that following a gunfight with the abductors, the victim was freed in Rafinbuna village in Bassa LGA of the state.

Nwachukwu stated that following a gunfight with the abductors, the victim was freed in Rafinbuna village in Bassa LGA of the state.

He said that the militants had given up two motorcycles and one AK-47 rifle to the soldiers.

Nwachukwu stated that in response to an intelligence tip, the troops also carried out a targeted operation on a suspected criminal enclave at Zamtip village in the Wase LGA of the state.

He reported that while one suspected criminal was apprehended, another shot and killed himself during the operation in an attempt to avoid being apprehended.

He said that the attackers left behind an AK-47 rifle, five rounds of special 7.62mm ammo, two empty 7.62mm cases, three SIM cards, and a Jackknife.

According to an army spokesman, in another operation in Zamfara, agents stopped three people from being kidnapped by violent extremists in the Kwatarkwashi neighborhood of Gusau Local Government Area.

He claimed that after a gunfight, the fanatics were routed by the army and forced to give up on the three kidnapped victims.

He continued by saying that while efforts were being made to capture the offenders, one of the injured victims was being treated at a hospital.

Nwachukwu added that one member of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) was slain by agents on Monday in the Orsu Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo's Ihiteukwa community.

According to him, the forces took action based on an intelligence report that the militants had established a new camp.

“They were engaged in a gun duel by the troops, resulting in the elimination of one of them, while others took to their heels,” Nwachukwu said.

“Troops have destroyed the terrorists' camp and are on the trail of the fleeing militants.

“Troops recovered a fabricated single barrel gun from the militants.”

Nwachukwu reaffirmed the army's dedication to defending Nigerians' lives and property.

“We sincerely extend our gratitude to vigilant members of the public, whose cooperation remains instrumental to ongoing efforts to combat insurgency, terrorism and sundry criminality across the nation,” he said.