Nigerian Army troops have arrested a suspected terrorist, members of his family and a separate suspected kidnapper in two intelligence-led operations in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, security sources said.
The sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency analyst, that the first operation took place at about 10 a.m. on Nov. 4. Troops of Sector 3 deployed at Atsawa acted on reports of terrorist activity in the Agbaja and Kakanda forests.
Troops apprehended the suspected terrorist and members of his family over alleged involvement in terrorist activities, the sources said. They recovered one AK-47 rifle, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a Baofeng communication radio.
About an hour later, troops of Sector 3 deployed at Jamata acted on intelligence that suspected kidnappers and their collaborators were hiding in Agbaja Forest. The troops trailed and arrested another suspect allegedly involved in kidnapping, the sources said. One motorcycle and other items were recovered.
The suspects and the recovered items are in military custody pending further investigation and “necessary action,” the sources said. The military did not immediately say how many family members were detained or whether charges would be filed.
The operations reflect continuing efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt cooperation between terrorists and kidnappers, and deny armed groups refuge in the forested areas of Kogi State, the sources said.
