Troops capture 15 gunners, neutralise one

In a significant operation against terrorism, Nigerian Army troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, have successfully apprehended 15 terrorist gun runners and logistics suppliers. One terrorist was neutralised during an encounter.

The operations, conducted across various parts of the country, resulted in the recovery of a substantial amount of arms, ammunition, and logistics. These include AK-47 rifles, fabricated rifles, single-barrel guns, dane guns, ammunition, magazines, handcuffs, daggers, mobile phones, and vehicles.

Army spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who made the disclosure in a statement, noted that on August 30, 2024, troops conducted a raid on terrorist gun runners and logistic suppliers at Mararaba Donga and Manya village in Donga and Takum Local Government Areas of Taraba State.

He said the operation, executed with precision, resulted in the arrest of five suspects.

He further disclosed that the troops conducted raids in Taraba, Yobe, Kaduna, Edo, and Plateau states.

In Taraba, five suspects were arrested and weapons were recovered. In Yobe, three Boko Haram logistics suppliers were apprehended, along with vehicles, motorcycles, and other supplies.

In Kaduna, four terrorist gun runners were arrested with ammunition and cash. In Edo, a notorious kidnapper was neutralised and weapons were recovered.

In Plateau, three wanted kidnap suspects were arrested with a fabricated pistol.

The Chief of Army Staff commended the troops for their efforts in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.

The statement read: “The troops recovered three AK-47 rifles, two fabricated rifles, two single-barrel guns, two dane guns, one rifle butt, 61 rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition, and eight live cartridges. Other items seized by the troops include two extra AK-47 rifle magazines, one pistol holster, one magazine holster, one pair of handcuffs, three daggers, one police helmet, one axe, one point of sale (POS) machine, and ten mobile phones.”

“In Yobe State, troops arrested three Boko Haram logistic suppliers at Jimbal Village of Tarmuwa Local Government Area. During a preliminary investigation, the suspects revealed that they had been in the business for more than two years, evading security checks by collaborating with some local vigilantes in the area. Items recovered from the suspects include three vehicles, five motorcycles, a large quantity of motorcycle tyres, numerous spare parts, and a significant quantity of drugs.

“Troops also seized rolls of fabric used by terrorists to sew uniforms and the sum of forty-eight thousand naira (N48,000.00),” he said.

In another operation in Kaduna State, troops arrested four terrorist gun runners and logistic suppliers at Rijana village in Chikun Local Government Area. Troops recovered 30 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition and three mobile phones from the suspects.

“The troops also found one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) worth of recharge cards and the sum of one million, five hundred and thirty-two thousand, nine hundred naira (N1,532,900.00) on the suspects.”

“In another sting operation, vigilant troops deployed in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State neutralised a notorious kidnapper belonging to a syndicate that has been terrorising commuters around Ubia community. The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one semi-automatic pump-action gun, and 18 live cartridges.”

“In a separate operation, troops deployed to Plateau State apprehended three wanted kidnap suspects at Kabong community in Jos South Local Government Area. The troops recovered one fabricated pistol and a live cartridge from the suspects.”

“The Chief of Army Staff, while commending the troops for their resilience, dedication, and vigilance in executing these operations, stressed the importance of sustaining the momentum of the offensives to ensure the continued safety and security of the nation. He noted that the Nigerian Army remains committed to eradicating terrorism and associated crimes to ensure peace and stability across the country.”