Nigerian Army troops neutralize three terrorists, rescue kidnap victims in Benue

In a series of recent counter-terrorism operations, the Nigerian Army successfully neutralized three terrorists and rescued multiple kidnap victims in Benue State.

According to military sources, acting on actionable intelligence, troops raided a notorious kidnap syndicate hideout in Sankara, Ukum Local Government Area, resulting in the elimination of three terrorists and the rescue of two hostages.

The operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated gun, assorted mobile phones, a camouflage uniform, and a motorbike.

In a related operation, troops successfully rescued Warrant Officer Ogbonna Charles, a Nigerian Army soldier abducted on May 25, 2024, in Naka, Goh Area of Gwer West Local Government Area.

He is said to be undergoing medical checks.

One of the sources said: “On May 30, 2024, Lieutenant Bot Elisha and ten other passengers were rescued from kidnappers after being abducted while traveling on a Peace Mass Transit Bus from Abuja to Port Harcourt. The victims are receiving medical attention.

“Following an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force on May 29, 2024, targeting the hideout of a militia kingpin known as “Full Fire,” troops conducted an exploitation mission.

“They recovered four Baofeng radios, six chargers, one laptop, two Citel phones, three Samsung tablets, 22 SIM cards, two Moniepoint POS machines, numerous phone batteries, an HP hard drive, various family pictures, one burnt AK-49 rifle, a magazine with 11 rounds of ammunition, and a pen containing 30 cows.

“These operations reflect the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian Army to combat terrorism and criminal activities in the region.”