Nigerian army frees more than 70 hostages in one week
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
The Nigerian army freed more than 70 abducted people and recovered 10 million naira suspected to be ransom between 15 and 22 October. Several suspects linked to terrorism and kidnappings were also arrested in several states, according to military operations spokesman Michael Onoja.
The Nigerian army freed more than 70 abducted people, recovered 10 million naira suspected to be ransom and arrested several suspected terrorists and kidnappers between 15 and 22 October. The director of Defence media operations, Major General Michael Onoja, presented the figures in a statement published on Saturday, Punch reports.
The operations notably led to the rescue of 27 residents abducted in the community of Gamji, Katsina State, 29 people who had fled to wooded areas after a terrorist attack in Mariga, Niger State, and 11 passengers targeted on the Ayere-Kabba road in Kogi State. The military also found a hostage in Falgore Forest, Kano State, and returned the recovered 10 million naira to the hostage's family.
In north-eastern Nigeria, Operation Hadin Kai, conducted against terrorist groups in Borno and Yobe states, recorded the surrender or interception of 19 fighters and members of their families. Soldiers also seized eight AK-47 rifles, two shotguns, 300 machine-gun rounds, two anti-tank rockets, a radio and a motorcycle after an attack on a military position in Mairari, Borno State, according to Michael Onoja.
