Kidnapping: Troops Conduct Ground, Air Surveillance in FCT

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The military high command said troops launched ground and air surveillance in kidnap hotspots in the Federal Capital Territory.

It said a joint operation with other security services and stakeholders was afoot  to investigate and gather more intelligence on  kidnap gangs around the FCT. 

It assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) was working relentlessly to address the hurtful situation. 

A statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj Gen Edward Buba, said troops   increased the tempo operations in order to find, degrade and destroy the terrorist and cohorts wherever they were hiding. 

“In the FCT and environs, some of the areas cleared by troops so far include Kawu, Gaba, Deidei, Kubwa Hills, and Ushafa in the FCT, Garam, Jibi, and back of Zuma Rock in Niger State as well as Gidan Dogo and Kuyeri/Kuyeri Hills in Kaduna State. 

“There have also been intensified night patrols in the  Mpape, Kubwa, Lugbe, Pyakasa, Keti, Gbaupe, Gbaukuchi, and Airport Rd among others”, it said.

The statement said”the armed forces is not unaware of the terrible impact of kidnappings on the families of those affected. 

“Indeed, our hearts and thoughts go to their families and loved ones. We also recognise the fear that these kidnappings creates among  the citizenry, following recent events in the FCT. 

“While troops probably don’t have all the answers as at now. Citizens should be rest assured that the armed forces is working relentlessly to address the hurtful situation” 

It said troop were synergising  with other security services and stakeholders  to investigate and gather more intelligence on these kidnapping gangs, particularly around the FCT. 

“Troops have prioritized the  areas of these kidnappings, increased both ground and air surveillance over the areas.  Technologies have also been deployed to more easily detect these kidnapping gangs in their hideouts and enclaves. 

“Furthermore, troops   increased the tempo operations in order to find, degrade and destroy the terrorist and cohorts wherever they were hiding. In the FCT and environs, some of the areas cleared by troops so far include Kawu, Gaba, Deidei, Kubwa Hills, and Ushafa in the FCT, Garam, Jibi, and back of Zuma Rock in Niger State, as well as Gidan Dogo and Kuyeri/Kuyeri Hills in Kaduna State. There have also been intensified night patrols in the  Mpape, Kubwa, Lugbe, Pyakasa, Keti, Gbaupe, Gbaukuchi, and Airport Rd among others”, it said.