Army troops arrest 10 suspected terrorists, rescue kidnapped victims in FCT, North-Central operations

The Nigerian Army says its troops, operating under various internal security missions, have arrested 10 suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and parts of the North-Central region.

This was contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to the report, under Operation MESA in the FCT, troops of the 176 Guards Battalion, working alongside a tracking team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), intercepted and arrested two suspected terrorists at a snap checkpoint in Abaji.

The suspects were reportedly apprehended while travelling in a commercial vehicle from Kaduna to Asaba. They are currently in custody and undergoing investigation.

In Benue State, under Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops conducting fighting patrols arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered two motorcycles during operations in Gwer West Local Government Area.

The report further stated that in Nasarawa State, six additional suspects believed to be terrorists and drug peddlers were arrested in the Karshi area of Karu Local Government Area following intelligence-led operations.

A locally fabricated pistol, cartridges, and other items were reportedly recovered from the suspects, who are also in custody for further investigation.

The Army also recorded successes in anti-kidnapping operations in Benue State, where swift military responses to distress calls forced kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee.

“At Mbakange in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, one kidnapped victim was rescued and handed over to the police, while two others were freed during a separate operation in Agidi, Konshisha Local Government Area,” the report stated.

The Army said its troops remain committed to sustained operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and improving security across the country.