Troops of the Nigerian Army apprehended nine suspected terrorists, seven suspected kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunition in a series of operations across the country in the last 24 hours, says an operational report.

The army’s report was released on Tuesday. According to it, the operations also led to the recovery of eight rustled cattle, 10 mobile phones and about 2,350 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel.

The report said that in Katsina, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested two suspected terrorists during a stop-and-search operation along the Dutsinma-Kankara-Turare road in Dutsinma council .

It said that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had links with terrorist groups operating in Zamfara and Katsina states and were allegedly on their way to rustle cattle before their arrest.

Items recovered from the suspects included two mobile phones and N28,500 cash.

In Edo, troops of the 322 Artillery Regiment arrested five suspected kidnappers in Emaudo, Esan West council area. The suspects confessed that they had been involved in kidnapping for more than two years. Eight mobile phones were recovered from the suspects.

In Kogi, troops intercepted and recovered eight rustled cattle along the Jamata-Atsawa road in Lokoja Local Government Area and arrested one suspected cattle rustler.

According to it, the cattle were identified by members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association as animals stolen from the Adankolo area and were subsequently handed over to their owners.

”In Delta, troops of the 3 Battalion arrested two suspected armed robbers during a routine patrol in the Udu Local Government Area.

”The suspects sustained injuries after the gang allegedly attempted to attack troops while operating an illegal roadblock. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation,” it said.

The report further said that troops also intensified anti-illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta, recovering about 1,150 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO in Bayelsa and another 1,200 litres in Akwa Ibom.

The report said the recovered products, estimated at 2,350 litres, and the vehicles used in conveying them were handled in line with operational guidelines.

It added that troops remained committed to sustaining pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal elements threatening peace and security across the country.

(NAN)