Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended five suspected terrorist collaborators and secured the surrender of an ISWAP fighter in Borno.

An operational report made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday said the operations also led to the arrest of additional suspected criminals in Plateau.

The report said troops also restored normalcy in a Delta community following a deadly clash between youths and operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

“Troops of 29 Task Force Brigade Garrison, raided Benisheikh in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno on Tuesday and arrested five suspected terrorist collaborators,” it said.

The report also revealed that troops recovered a dane gun, seven mobile phones and two locally made knives.

It added that the suspects and recovered items were in military custody for further investigation.

It further said that an ISWAP fighter surrendered to troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai, in Monguno, Borno.

According to the report, preliminary investigations indicate that the fighter escaped from a terrorist camp in Tumbunma village, in the Lake Chad region near Bukar Meram in Marte Local Government Area.

“Items recovered from the surrendered fighter include an AK-47 rifle, 31 rounds of 5.56mm special ammunition, a camel bag, a small solar panel, an earpiece and two mobile phones.”

The report also said that in Kaduna, troops of 4 Demonstration Battalion rescued a female kidnap victim following an attack and the abduction of civilians in Kauyen Masaka village, Igabi Local Government Area.

“Troops responded to the incident at about 1:41 a.m. on Tuesday, rescuing the woman and recovering a motorcycle.

“The rescued victim was reunited with her family and disclosed that other captives fled during the military intervention,” it said.

The report further revealed that troops of Headquarters 24 Armoured Brigade arrested an additional suspect following the interrogation of three suspected criminals earlier apprehended in Sabon Gida-Pil Gani village, Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau.

It said troops subsequently raided the suspects’ residence, recovering two locally fabricated pistols and 10 cartridges.

The report added that investigations were ongoing to recover an alleged AK-47 rifle and other weapons believed to be in the suspects’ custody.

“In Rivers, troops of 16 Brigade Garrison, working with personnel of 5 Battalion, discovered an illegal refining site in Ogbogolo Forest, Ahoada East Local Government Area.

“Items found at the site include two long cooking drums, another drum, two half drums and two long pipes. The items were handled in line with extant regulations.

“In Delta, troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, working with Operation Delta Sweep and 3 Battalion (Reinforcement), restored normalcy in Okpara inland community, Ethiope East Local Government Area, following a deadly incident involving NDLEA operatives and youths.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that some NDLEA operatives encountered resistance from youths while attempting to arrest a suspected drug peddler, during which a youth sustained gunshot wounds and later died.

“The incident reportedly triggered attacks on the vigilante office and community town hall, with four vehicles, a motorcycle and the community leader’s residence burnt,” it said.

The report added that troops subsequently cleared and reopened blocked access routes, conducted patrols and maintained a presence in the community to prevent further violence.

It said normalcy had been restored, with residents returning to their normal activities, while troops continued to engage community leaders to sustain peace.

It also said efforts were ongoing to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of the violence.

(NAN)