In a series of operations carried out by Nigerian security forces, 24 kidnapped victims have been recovered, 14 suspects arrested, and about 800 stolen cattle recovered in just 24 hours across the country. The operations also led to the recovery of weapons, disruption of suspected terrorist activities and the interception of suspected oil thieves.

The troops engaged in operations in various states, including the dismantling of kidnapping networks, armed groups and other suspected criminal activities, according to a report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Military troops reacted to a civilian and his family who were attacked at a farm in Chikun, Kaduna State. The soldiers met the suspected attackers, who were forced to release a woman and her son. Both were found alive and handed over to their families.

In Kogi State, soldiers and local vigilantes intervened and rescued two persons who were reportedly kidnapped in September along the Abocho/Ajegwuwa/Dekina Road. At the same time, security agents rushed into a ransom collection site in Edo State, and the kidnappers were seen to flee, leaving behind two victims. The machete wounds on both victims and the subsequent death of one while on the way to the hospital were reported.

Another major rescue exercise was carried out on Akwanga-Andaha road in Nasarawa State where 18 persons said to have been abducted from a commercial bus were rescued by troops. The passengers were able to resume their trip as the kidnappers ran away after being pursued.

Some 800 cattle suspected to have been stolen by the alleged terrorists were recovered in Plateau State. Authorities securing northeastern states also recovered some suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and found and safely detonated an IED in Borno State.

Several other suspects were also arrested at security checks and raids in other parts of the country, including Adamawa and Kogi. Recovered items were locally manufactured guns, ammunition, knives, mobile phones and cash. One suspected logistics supplier was said to have been arrested for carrying groceries which were supposed to be sent to an alleged terrorist organisation.

In the FCT, army men arrested a suspected drug peddler and referred him to the NDLEA for further investigation. Also, police reportedly picked up three alleged oil thieves in Rivers State who were carrying between 20,000 and 25,000 litres of stolen crude oil in two wooden boats.

The report also noted the arrival of approximately 400 refugees and returnees from Niger in Borno State from September 16 to 25. Authorities checked and registered the returnees before sending them to an IDP camp. Many had reportedly moved out of their communities because of attacks of terrorism, kidnapping, and tough living conditions.

As security operations continue in affected areas, the returnees are being screened, documented and provided with welfare support by Government agencies, international organisations and humanitarian partners.