By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended 54 terror and criminal suspects and rescued nine kidnapped victims in different theatres of operation across the country in the last 24 hours.

A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that the operations also led to the neutralization of several terrorists.

The source also said that a large cache of arms and ammunition were recovered as well as recovery of rustled livestock and destruction of illegal bunkering sites.

In the North East, the source said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) repelled an attack by Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP)/Boko Haram terrorists on their location at Ngirboa Bridge in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe.

He said that a family member of ISWAP terrorists surrendered to troops of 192 Battalion in Gwoza Local Government Area, after fleeing Kunde village on the Mandara Mountains in Borno.

In the North West, the source said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued eight kidnapped victims at Tungar Miragumi and Zugu villages in Bukkuyum axis of Zamfara, and recovered 21 sheep during a counter–rustling operation in Anka.

According to him, troops also recovered 143 rustled sheep in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State and destroyed a terrorist camp.

He added that troops killed one terrorist during an encounter at Sabuwa in Katsina State.

“Troops of the FOB Lilo in Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara killed six terrorists in an encounter.

“In the South West, troops of Operation MESA and security agencies arrested 10 suspected internet fraudsters at Ajegunle in Kishi Local Government Area of Oyo State, and 42 suspects at Idu Industrial Area, Abuja.

“A policeman providing cover for the Abuja suspects was also arrested and handed over for investigation,” he said.

The source said the troops also foiled illegal bunkering activities in Bayelsa and Rivers, seizing large quantities of suspected illegally refined AGO, hoses, pipes and other equipment.

“In Rivers, two suspected sea pirates were arrested with locally made weapons and a fibre boat, while NDLEA operatives arrested four narcotics suspects during a joint operation in Bayelsa.

The source reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian army to protecting the nation and urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies with timely information. (NAN)