The Nigerian Army has reported the rescue of 10 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and the killing of 16 terrorists among the latest outcomes of military operations across several parts of the country.
The development was contained in an operational report released by the Army on Thursday evening, detailing separate engagements in Imo, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe and Sokoto states.
In Imo State, troops of Operation UDO KA rescued 10 prospective corps members who were abducted along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Mbaise Local Government Area.
According to the report, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade responded to the incident at about 6:30 a.m. after suspected kidnappers abducted the victims from two commercial buses at Umonuwa village.
The Army said the operation involved personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services, with efforts continuing to locate and rescue other victims allegedly held by the kidnappers.
Meanwhile, troops in Adamawa State repelled simultaneous attacks on the 226 Battalion at Garkida in Gombi Local Government Area and the 232 Battalion at Garaha in Hong Local Government Area.
The attacks reportedly occurred at about 1 a.m., with the terrorists retreating towards Garkida on motorcycles after encountering resistance from the troops.
The Army said its Spartan element subsequently pursued the fleeing attackers and conducted strikes that resulted in 16 terrorists being killed.
Three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines and cartridges were reportedly recovered following the operation.
In Taraba State, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE responded to a suspected terrorist attack on Gwamagira settlement in Karim Lamido Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly fled after troops engaged them, abandoning cattle they had allegedly rustled.
The troops recovered the animals and returned them to their owners, although the Army said one civilian was killed and three others abducted during the attack.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested a suspected ISWAP member in Babbangida, Yobe State. The suspect was reportedly arrested on September 29 and was said to have travelled from Niger Republic into Nigeria before proceeding to Borno.
Troops also arrested four suspected terrorists during a patrol in parts of Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
In Sokoto, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA engaged terrorists along the Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road, forcing them to withdraw before troops established a stronger presence through sustained patrols.
The Army said follow-up operations were ongoing in the affected areas.
