Troops Thwart FCT Kidnap Plot, Sustain Nationwide Onslaught — Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army says its troops have achieved new operational gains nationwide, preventing a major kidnapping attempt in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while disrupting terrorist networks across the North-West, North-East, and North-Central within the last 24 hours.

A reliable military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja that personnel under Operation FANSAN YAMMA dismantled several terrorist activities in Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto States.

According to the source, troops from 1 Battalion (Reconnaissance) stormed the Sakwabe Forest in the Bachaka area of Arewa Local Government, Kebbi State, forcing terrorists to abandon their hideout and flee. The soldiers recovered ammunition, clothing, and communication gadgets during the operation.

Troops at FOB Kaoje also acted on a distress alert in Bakin Ruwa, where police had earlier apprehended three suspected terrorists. The military increased patrols in the area amid concerns about possible reprisal attacks by associates of the suspects.

In Katsina State, troops of the 17 Brigade responded to an attack along the Kankara–Mabai Road, where terrorists fatally shot a commercial driver. Soldiers evacuated passengers and their vehicle to safety.

“The same brigade also rescued a kidnapped victim at Unguwan Nayaya during a fighting patrol,” the source added.

He said troops of the 8 Division Garrison in Sokoto engaged armed groups at Chacho village in Wurno Local Government Area, where they evacuated a civilian who sustained gunshot injuries to UDUTH Sokoto.

The source described the most significant operation within the 24-hour period as the one carried out in the FCT, where troops of the 176 Guards Battalion, working with the Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, foiled a planned large-scale abduction in Kwali and Gwagwalada Area Councils.

“Acting on intelligence and intercepted communications, the troops ambushed the kidnap syndicate at Gada-Biu on Dec. 1, killing one of the suspects and recovering an AK-47 rifle with ammunition,” he said.

In Taraba State, troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) conducted clearance operations in communities within Karim Lamido Local Government Area, recovering a pump-action gun, a Dane gun, and three motorcycles after insurgents escaped during contact.

He also revealed that a soldier was arrested in Kashimbila for allegedly communicating with a wanted insurgent leader known as Commander Abam.

According to the source, troops across all theatres continue to dominate the battlespace through aggressive patrols, ambushes, and combat operations.

“The security forces remain committed to sustaining the pressure until terrorism, banditry and kidnapping are decisively defeated,” he said.

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