Nigerian Army (NA) troops have apprehended a notorious kidnap syndicate and recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition from the suspects.
The troops have also successfully dismantled a gun-running syndicate that specializes in supplying arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating in the North West.
The Army said; “On 7th August 2024, the troops working in coordination with other security agencies arrested a notorious gun runner, Mallam Yau Ibrahim, in Babinga Kudaru village of Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“This followed an earlier apprehension of another syndicate member on 31st July, 2024 by troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in Jos. Among the items recovered are an AK-47 rifle, AK-47 rifle magazine, 1,641 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and 49 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.”
In a separate operation, while acting on credible intelligence, troops tracked down and arrested Abubakar Shehu, 25 years, in the Ijebu-Ode area of Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria. Shehu is a member of a kidnap syndicate responsible for the assassination of Alhaji Mairuga Abubakar, the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) in Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Following preliminary investigation, the suspect led troops to Okoka forest in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, where they recovered four AK-47 rifles, a locally fabricated pistol, eight magazines, one cartridge, and 110 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. The troops are continuing their pursuit of other members of the kidnap syndicate.
In Katsina state, troops laid ambush and neutralized a terrorist at Anguwa Boka in Faskari Local Government Area. Items recovered from the terrorist include one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 Magazine, 3 Rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, a mobile phone and assorted items.
The operations underscore the Nigerian Army’s steadfast commitment to protecting the nation from terrorism and criminality. The Army urged the public to continue providing credible information to support and enhance ongoing efforts.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
