In what could be described as tough moments for criminal elements breaching the nation’s peace, security agencies at different levels, swooped on the hoodlums, killing some and arresting others in different parts of the country.
While it was gathered that troops killed dozens of terrorists, nabbed no fewer than 120 criminals and rescued 41 kidnap victims in the last one week, the Police also arrested 523 suspected criminals, impounded 126 vehicles, recovered 13, rescued 3, and recovered 6 rifles among others in various parts of the FCT.
Announcing this at a press conference Thursday in Abuja, the Defence Headquarters, through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, said the military operations were conducted between September 14 and September 22, in the Northeast, Northwest, North-central, South-south and South-east theatres of operation.
In the North-east for instance, he said troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised several Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, apprehended 26 terrorist collaborators and rescued three kidnapped victims.
In the Northwest, Kangye said the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma killed terrorists in Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto states, and rescued 14 kidnapped victims.
He added that a notorious terrorist, Mallam Abubakar Ahmadu, alongside six others were apprehended during the operations.
The spokesman added that troops of Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau and Kaduna states, apprehended 52 criminals, killed terrorists in gunfire and rescued nine kidnap victims.
He further said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa and the FCT, also killed criminals.
According to him, troops apprehended 17 others including a high-profile kidnapper, Saawuan Wuaiyolna, and rescued eight kidnapped victims.
In the South-south, Kangye said troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth N19.75 million, destroyed 16 illegal refining sites, arrested 19 suspects and rescued five victims.
He also said troops of Operation Udo Kai in the Southeast killed several criminals, arrested six suspects, rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered weapons, vehicles and improvised explosive device materials.
Kangye commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism, and urged the public to continue supporting the military with timely and credible information.
…Police
And in a related development, operatives of the FCT Police Command arrested 523 suspects for various offences, impounded 126 vehicles, rescued three kidnapping victims, neutralised four kidnappers in separate encounters.
They also recovered six rifles, and 48 rounds of ammunition, as well as 13 stolen vehicles in the last one month.
FCT Commissioner of Police Ajao Adewale was quoted as saying this in a statement Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, in Abuja.
She said the Police boss highlighted operational achievements of the command in the month under review during a strategic meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Tactical Commanders at the Command Headquarters, to review recent operations, evaluate performance, and set new security priorities for the FCT.
Adeh quoted the CP as commending the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for foiling various kidnapping attempts in Gwagwalada and Karu, suburbs of Abuja, describing the operations as “Proactive actions that averted potential security crisis.”
She said the Police boss further emphasised the importance of community policing, noting ongoing engagements with religious leaders, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Miyetti Allah, and other stakeholders.
Adewale equally commended the Scorpion Squad, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and divisional teams in Kubwa, Life Camp, Galadimawa, Mpape, Nyanya, Durumi, CP MMU-1, and Anti-One-Chance Team ‘B’ for their diligence.
“With the advance of ember months, political activities, and Independence Day celebrations approaching, the CP directed officers to intensify intelligence-led operations, enhance community relations, and remain firm, fair, and professional.
“He cautioned against unauthorised roadblocks, extortion during enforcements of any kind, and other misconducts. Officers were also reminded to remain vigilant, avoid intoxicants.
“CP Adewale reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and called on residents to support the police by providing credible information through the emergency lines: 08061581938, 08032003913, or the CRU: 08107314192,” Adeh further stated.
