Troops ‘foil kidnap attempts’ in Plateau, Zamfara, Imo

The Nigerian Army (NA), says its troops have foiled multiple kidnap attempts in Plateau, Zamfara, and Imo states.

In a statement on Tuesday, Onyema Nwachukwu, the director, army public relations, said the operatives rescued one Rosemary Jekpe, who was kidnapped from her residence in Abuja Layout, Bukuru Low Cost Housing Estate, in Jos South LGA of Plateau.

Nwachukwu said the victim was rescued at Rafinbuna village in Bassa LGA of the state, after a gun duel with the kidnappers.

He said the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and two motorcycles from the gunmen.

Nwachukwu said the troops also conducted a targeted raid on a suspected criminal enclave at Zamtip village in Wase LGA of the state, following an intelligence tip-off.

He noted that one suspected criminal was arrested, while another, in a bid to evade arrest, shot and killed himself during the operation.

According to him, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, two empty cases of 7.62mm, three sim cards and one Jackknife from the assailants.

The army spokesperson said operatives, in another operation in Zamfara, prevented the abduction of three persons by violent extremists on the outskirts of Kwatarkwashi in Gusau LGA.

According to him, troops overpowered the extremists during a shootout, forcing them to abandon the three kidnap victims.

He added that one of the victims who sustained injuries, was taken to a hospital for medical attention, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.

Nwachukwu also said operatives had on Monday, killed one member of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN), in Ihiteukwa community, Orsu LGA of Imo.

He said the troops acted on an intelligence report of the establishment of a new camp by the militants. 

“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 reiterated the commitment of the army to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.

“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.