Army sustains raids on IPOB camps, bandits’ hideouts
• 19 suspects detained, N2m, firearms recovered • Two kidnapped victims rescued in Benue community Troops of the Nigerian Army have overrun IPOB/ESN strongholds in the Southeast and cleared bandit
• 19 suspects detained, N2m, firearms recovered
• Two kidnapped victims rescued in Benue community
Troops of the Nigerian Army have overrun IPOB/ESN strongholds in the Southeast and cleared bandit camps in Bauchi State in sustained operations across troubled areas.
In Enugu State, joint troops under Operation Eastern Sanity, supported by the Air Component of Operation Udo Ka, carried out a clearance operation in Ajali Forest, Ezeagu Local Government Area. The operation forced suspected IPOB and ESN fighters to flee and abandon an anti-tank improvised explosive device (IED), which was secured by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
Troops later destroyed several hideouts in the forest.
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Also, troops under Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued two kidnapping victims in Kyado, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, following an intelligence-driven operation.
The operation, carried out at 3:50 am yesterday, resulted in the safe recovery of Mr. Sylvester Michael Ebuka and Mrs. Chidinma Chikwentu.
According to Lt. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, the victims were abducted in separate incidents earlier this month.
Also in Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, troops of 82 Division Garrison, acting on intelligence from the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered a pump-action rifle and N2 million believed to be ransom proceeds. The suspect and items were handed over for further investigation.
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In Bauchi State, troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, working with a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), cleared bandit camps at Azuge and Hari in Dajin Madam Forest.
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Several bandits were neutralised while others fled. Troops also took into custody six women and 13 children linked to the camps. Motorcycles used by the bandits were destroyed.
Recovered items included an AK-47 magazine, packs of tramadol, a police uniform, military uniforms and two horses.
Troops later carried out a follow-up operation in Mainamaji after earlier air strikes on bandit hideouts. No contact was made, suggesting reduced bandit presence in the area.
According to the Nigerian Army, operations would continue until criminal groups were dismantled and stability restored. It urged residents to support security agencies with timely information.
In Benue, Mr. Ebuka was abducted about 6:50 a.m on April 2, and Mrs. Chikwentu around 5:13 p.m on April 6.
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Credible intelligence and sustained pressure on suspected bandit hideouts in the Kyado area led to the abductors’ flight, facilitating the successful recovery of the victims without harm.
Both rescued individuals were found unharmed and did not sustain any physical injuries.
The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj.-Gen Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism, and commitment to duty, highlighting the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations.
He reassured residents of Benue and surrounding communities of the military’s determination to sustain ongoing operations until all threats to peace and security are neutralised and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies
