Get Guardian on GoogleTroops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected gunrunner and neutralised two terrorists during coordinated operations in Plateau State, recovering arms, ammunition, motorcycles and other logistics.
The operations, conducted across Mangu, Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas, also led to the dismantling of several terrorist camps and the destruction of structures used by the criminals to sustain their activities.
In a statement, the Nigerian Army said troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) Special Tactical Team, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a suspected gunrunner, identified as Adamu Adamu, also known as Jauro, during a sting operation at Gindiri Market in Mangu Local Government Area.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended with one AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. He is currently in custody alongside the recovered items for further investigation.
In a related operation on November 8, troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade launched coordinated offensive operations at Dajin Madam Forest, which spans Kanam and Wase local government areas.
The Army said the troops cleared several terrorist camps and destroyed their life-support structures, degrading the capacity of the criminal elements to sustain their activities and use the forest as a hideout.
According to the statement, the advancing troops subsequently made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to retreat in disarray.
Bloodstains were reportedly observed along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes, suggesting that some of them might have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.
A further search of the area led to the recovery of 135 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, PKT links, four mobile phones, two communication radios, four motorcycles, two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), assorted camouflage uniforms and other items.
The Army said troops also engaged terrorists in a subsequent encounter near Kukawa Village, where two of the insurgents were neutralised and additional motorcycles recovered.
It said the operations reflected the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks, deny terrorists access to weapons and logistics, and eliminate safe havens used to launch attacks.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and other criminal groups while strengthening collaboration with local communities and other security agencies to restore peace and protect lives and property across Plateau State.
