Troops have foiled a terrorist attack, rescued three kidnapped civilians and recovered weapons, ammunition and suspected explosive materials in two separate operations in Adamawa State, in a fresh demonstration of the persistent security challenges confronting communities in the state.
Key Highlights
- Troops repelled a terrorist attack at Zangula Kilba Junction in Gombi LGA on November 8, neutralising two terrorists.
- Two AK-47 rifles, 115 rounds of ammunition and two cases of locally fabricated explosive devices were recovered.
- In Mubi South LGA on November 9, troops and local hunters rescued three kidnap victims, including Mrs Happiness Dama Dauda.
- A tricycle with 15 bags of beans and a pickup with 13 bags of groundnuts were recovered and returned to farmers.
- The operations were carried out by Sector 4, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.
The operations, conducted by troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force (North East), under Operation HADIN KAI, targeted suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists as well as kidnappers operating in parts of the state.
Terrorist Attack Foiled in Gombi
The first operation unfolded on November 8 at Zangula Kilba Junction in Gombi Local Government Area, where troops successfully repelled an attempted terrorist assault.
According to the military, the soldiers engaged the attackers and neutralised two terrorists, forcing other members of the group to retreat.
The encounter also yielded a significant recovery of weapons and other materials believed to be linked to the terrorist group.
Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, 115 rounds of ammunition, three belts of empty ammunition links and two cases of locally fabricated explosive devices.
Troops also recovered desert boots, a backpack, an Android phone, a wristwatch and N15,000.
However, the military said the operation was not yet concluded, as troops had continued efforts to track down the fleeing attackers and prevent them from regrouping.
Three Kidnap Victims Rescued in Mubi South
Beyond the confrontation with terrorists, another security operation in Mubi South Local Government Area on November 9 brought relief to residents following the rescue of three civilians from suspected kidnappers.
The incident began when Mrs Happiness Dama Dauda was reportedly abducted while working on her farm around Dutse-Uku. Her motorcycle was also allegedly taken by the kidnappers.
A distress call from concerned farmers prompted an immediate response from troops deployed in Mubi.
Working in collaboration with local hunters, the soldiers moved into the area and mounted pressure on the suspected abductors, forcing them to abandon Mrs Dauda and escape.
The operation did not end with her rescue. A sustained pursuit subsequently led troops to two other residents suspected to have been abducted earlier, bringing the number of rescued victims to three.
The operation also uncovered the extent of the disruption suffered by local farmers.
Security personnel recovered a motorcycle, a tricycle loaded with 15 bags of beans and a Hi-Jet pickup conveying 13 bags of groundnuts belonging to other farmers who narrowly escaped the kidnappers.
The recovered property was identified by the respective village heads before being handed over to its rightful owners.
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The military said troops had intensified patrols and surveillance across the affected communities to prevent further attacks, restrict the movement of criminal elements and restore confidence among residents.
The latest developments highlight the dual security threats facing parts of Adamawa, where military operations against insurgents continue alongside efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities affecting rural communities and agricultural livelihoods.
The military also stressed the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation between security forces, local hunters and community members in identifying and responding to security threats.
The disclosure was contained in a statement issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.
As the military sustains its offensive against terrorist groups and criminal networks, the latest operations underscore the importance of protecting vulnerable communities, securing farming activities and preventing armed groups from disrupting the livelihoods of residents.
Operation HADIN KAI has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorists and their collaborators across the North-East, with the stated objective of safeguarding lives, property and the economic activities of affected communities. More updates on operations are available from the Nigerian Army.
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