Army Rescues 10 Prospective Corps Members Abducted in Imo, Kills 16 Terrorists in Adamawa

Nigerian Army troops have rescued 10 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Imo State, while 16 terrorists were reportedly neutralised during separate operations in Adamawa State.

According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Imo rescue operation was carried out by troops of Operation UDO KA following a kidnapping incident along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Mbaise Local Government Area.

The incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, when suspected kidnappers reportedly intercepted two commercial buses and abducted passengers, including prospective corps members.

Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade responded to the incident and, working alongside personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services, launched efforts to rescue the victims and track down the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, in Adamawa State, troops successfully repelled simultaneous attacks on military positions in Garkida, Gombi Local Government Area, and Garaha, Hong Local Government Area.

The attacks, which occurred at about 1 a.m. on Thursday, targeted troops of 226 Battalion (Motorised) and 232 Battalion.

The military said the attackers were forced to retreat towards Garkida on motorcycles.

The Army’s Spartan element subsequently pursued the fleeing terrorists and carried out strikes, reportedly neutralising 16 of them.

The operation also led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines and several cartridges.

The Army said follow-up operations were ongoing, alongside efforts to strengthen defensive positions in the affected areas.

In Taraba State, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE also responded to a suspected terrorist attack on Gwamagira settlement in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.

The attackers, who reportedly arrived on motorcycles, engaged the troops before retreating and abandoning cattle they had allegedly rustled.

The troops recovered the cattle and returned them to their owners.

However, one civilian was reportedly killed while three others were abducted during the attack.

Security forces continued efforts to rescue the victims and arrest those responsible.

In Yobe State, troops of Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI, arrested a suspected ISWAP member in Babbangida, Tarmuwa Local Government Area.

The suspect was arrested at about 12:30 p.m. on September 29.

He reportedly claimed to be an Islamic cleric operating in the Sahara region of Niger Republic.

Preliminary investigations indicated that he travelled by truck from the Zarmadu-Sahara area of Niger Republic into Nigeria before proceeding to Borno State.

Items recovered from him included a mobile phone, prayer mat, blanket, jacket, slate, detergent and N396,200 in cash.

Also in Adamawa, troops of Sector 4, working with Rangers and Hybrid Forces, arrested four suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol in parts of Hong Local Government Area.

In Sokoto State, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA engaged suspected terrorists along the Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area.

The troops reportedly forced the attackers to withdraw before taking control of the area through sustained patrols.

The military said operations were continuing across the affected locations to apprehend fleeing suspects, rescue abducted persons and maintain security in the communities.

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