Suspected bandits have released a kidnapped woman and her three daughters who were abducted from Ariyo Community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State after spending 180 days in captivity.

The victims were abducted alongside others during an attack on the community over the Easter period, during which several residents were reportedly killed.

The bandits had reportedly demanded a ransom of N1 billion before releasing the victims.

Confirming the release on his verified Facebook page, former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the late Governor Ibrahim Yakowa, Reuben Buhari, wrote: “Do you remember the woman from Ariko village who gave birth in the kidnappers’ den, and someone had to use her teeth to cut the umbilical cord? You remembered the child died after three weeks? Well, she is free now. She came out with her three remaining daughters after 180 days of captivity.

“She was pregnant when she was kidnapped with Christy, her 4-year-old, and two other girls aged 6 and 12. She got out on Saturday with her three children, but Christy, the four-year-old, was very ill while still at the camp. Her eyes and legs were swollen, and she couldn’t walk at all, so they had to carry her.

“Her mother carried her on her back. When she grew tired, she gave Christy to the 12-year-old to carry as well; though both were very weak, they continued to carry Christy that way. And all were walking barefoot.

“They walked until it grew dark, and then they slept in the bush. In the morning, they continued their walk. But while they were walking, Christy, the sick four-year-old, died. They continued with the dead child on their backs, still swapping when one got tired.

“At one point, the mother became very weak, and it was the 12-year-old who continued to carry her 4-year-old dead sister on her back until they reached a village in Kachia LGA on Sunday afternoon, where some people came to their rescue. From there, they were moved to another village, where they are now receiving medical care to stabilise them before they are brought to Kaduna.

“The remaining Ariko victims, including the 11 kidnapped from Awon village, are still in the kidnappers’ hands, and most of the remaining victims are emaciated like these. Pray for them please.”

Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have destroyed a suspected terrorist hideout and arrested five suspects during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The operation was reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the report, the troops carried out the intelligence-led operation at about 11:00am. on August 1, targeting suspected criminal hideouts in Atombagen, Chito, Tse Kighr, Tse Anaka and Sabongida Leke communities.

Makama reported that although the suspected terrorists fled before troops arrived, security operatives continued the operation and arrested five persons at Sabongida Leke over their alleged involvement in criminal activities within the area.

“The troops also destroyed the terrorist enclave and several life-support structures believed to have been used by the criminal elements as operational bases,” the report stated.

According to Makama, the operation formed part of the military’s ongoing campaign to clear suspected terrorist hideouts and disrupt the logistics network sustaining armed groups across parts of Benue State.

Military sources, according to Makama, said the operation is part of sustained efforts under Operation Whirl Stroke to deny criminal groups freedom of movement across the Benue axis while intensifying pressure on their hideouts.

The report added that the five suspects remain in military custody and are expected to undergo further investigation as security agencies continue operations to identify other members of the suspected criminal network.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected terrorist informants during an intelligence-led security operation at Askira Uba Market in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation was reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the report, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion apprehended the suspects at about 3:10pm. on August 1 after carrying out surveillance based on intelligence received on their alleged activities within the area.

Makama reported that preliminary intelligence indicated the two suspects were allegedly providing information to terrorist elements operating in parts of the North-East.

“The suspects are believed to have been providing information to terrorist elements operating within the region,” the report stated.

According to the report, the suspects were subsequently handed over to the Headquarters of the 28 Task Force Brigade for further investigation and other necessary actions.

The report added that military authorities described the arrest as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks by identifying and apprehending suspected informants and collaborators believed to be aiding insurgent operations across the region.

Military operations targeting suspected terrorist logistics and intelligence networks are continuing across the North-East as troops intensify efforts to dismantle insurgent support structures and improve security in affected communities.