Military Rescues 18 Kidnap Victims in Kwara, Arrests Terrorist Suspects

Nigerian troops have rescued 18 kidnap victims in Kwara State and two in Borno State, according to the Defence Headquarters. The operations took place between October 9 and 15, with military personnel working alongside local security groups.

The rescue in Kwara occurred on October 10 after troops responded to a distress call about residents being taken from their farms in the Eruku–Egbe–Koro Forest area. The troops chased the kidnappers, who abandoned their captives and fled into the forest. During this operation, the military recovered ammunition.

In Borno State, two individuals, Bello Ibrahim and Ibrahim Adamu, were rescued on October 15. The military also arrested several suspected collaborators and recovered firearms during various operations in the region.

On October 10, troops arrested two suspected logistics suppliers in Monguno, Borno State, who were allegedly transporting supplies for terrorists. Other suspects were arrested in Gubio on October 12, and weapons were recovered from them.

The military reported that some suspected terrorists and their families surrendered in Bama, Borno State, bringing firearms with them. Similar surrenders occurred in Monguno, where individuals escaped from terrorist camps.

In Adamawa State, troops engaged suspected terrorists and recovered a large cache of weapons. Operations in the North West led to the rescue of another kidnapping victim and the arrest of a suspect linked to various crimes.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, praised the military for their efforts and called for better cooperation with community leaders and the media to enhance security. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, assured troops of improved welfare and equipment during a visit to Borno State.