Soldiers deployed for counter-terrorism operations in Sokoto State in a daring gun battle yesterday foiled a kidnap attempt in Sokoto State, killed five terrorists and rescued two hostages.

Also, soldiers on a similar operation in Ebonyi State repelled an attack on Isheke Police Station by suspected Indigenous People of Biafra and their Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) and killed five of them.

A statement on the Nigerian Army’s official social media handle said the troops responding to a distress call from the Baniguntu and Gohonau forest area in Gudu local government area of Sokoto State engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of the terrorists, while others fled with injuries.

The statement identified the rescued hostages as Nura Isya and Saluhu Hamza and safely handed them over to the chairman of the Gudu local government area for medical attention and reunification with their families.

The troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, 32 rounds of ammunition, and a Tecno phone thereby disrupting the activities of the terrorist group.

“This heroic rescue mission highlights the resoluteness of the Nigerian Army to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of citizens in Sokoto State and across the country. The troops’ swift and decisive action is a testament to their dedication to protecting the lives and well-being of the people they serve,” the statement said.

On the Ebonyi incident, the Nigerian Army, on its official X handle, said troops, on arrival at the scene, launched a counter-attack on the assailants, compelling them to flee in disarray.

The statement said the troops further engaged the terrorists in hot pursuit, leading to an intense gun battle, which resulted in the killing of five suspected terrorists and the seizure of several weapons.

The troops recovered the following items: one PKT Machine Gun with a link belt containing 94 rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 rifles with three magazines containing 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one Sub Machine Gun with a magazine, and a Sienna SUV with registration number Ebonyi CHR-364JC.

“The Nigerian Army will continue to operate in synergy with sister services and other security agencies to combat the terrorists’ activities by IPOB and its armed affiliate, the ESN,” the statement assured.

Tags: IPOB