Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered 12 rifles and rescued 10 kidnapped persons following engagements with three suspected terrorists who indicated their willingness to surrender in Kwara State.
The operation was carried out around Gbugbu Forest and neighbouring communities in Edu Local Government Area.
According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, the suspects were identified as Auta Ilori, Dan Karemi and Ori Gambali.
The report said troops of 22 Brigade, working with the Department of State Services (DSS), engaged the suspects through their representatives as part of efforts to secure the surrender of their weapons and release of their captives.
The engagement led to the recovery of 12 rifles of different types and the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims in the first phase of the process.
The rescued persons and recovered weapons remain in military custody, while efforts to conclude the surrender process are ongoing.
In a separate operation in Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace arrested a suspected armed robber at Bisichi Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The suspect was reportedly arrested at about 7:05 pm on November 13 with an AK-47 rifle and 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Troops also engaged suspected terrorists riding motorcycles along the Kukawa-Shuwaka-Yelwa Road in Wase Local Government Area. One suspected terrorist was killed, while two motorcycles and a mobile phone were recovered. Other members of the group reportedly fled.
In Taraba State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, working with a Defence Intelligence Agency team, arrested two suspected terrorist logistics couriers at Kwatan Mayo Renewo in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.
The suspects were accused of transporting weapons and supplies across the River Benue to a suspected terrorist leader identified as Hayatu, who reportedly operates around the Taraba-Plateau-Bauchi border.
Items recovered from them included two mobile phones, a knife, suspected illicit substances and N83,200.
In another operation, troops of 6 Brigade and the Defence Intelligence Agency raided the residence of a suspected arms courier in Wukari Local Government Area, recovering an AK-47 rifle.
The military said the arrested suspects and recovered items had been handed over for further investigation and necessary action.
