In a swift and coordinated operation over the past 24 hours, the Nigerian Army, alongside other security agencies, have arrested a leading commander of IPOB/ESN and rescued twelve people who had been kidnapped. Acting on intelligence, troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade raided a hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe LGA in Imo State, where they apprehended the suspected kingpin. During the raid, the forces seized weapons and ammunition—including an English pistol, several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, military and police uniforms, and even a German flag. They also uncovered a workshop where stolen vehicles were disassembled for resale, and destroyed ten motorcycles found on site.
Elsewhere, anti-kidnapping units staged successful rescue missions. Five victims were freed in Madagali, Adamawa State; another five in Kukasheka, Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State; and two more in Lokoja, Kogi State. In related clashes, troops neutralised two terrorists in separate operations in Katsina, retrieving an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle. A violent extremist was also killed in Benue State, where authorities recovered a mobile phone and charms.
Additionally, eleven suspects were arrested across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States on charges ranging from armed robbery and gun-running to violent extremism. Authorities also recovered forty cattle stolen by rustlers in Plateau State and returned them to their rightful owners. The Army says these successes were made possible through concerted collaboration among the military, sister security services, and other agencies. It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safety and fostering conditions favorable for agriculture and socio-economic development, particularly as part of the federal government’s food security initiative.
