August 3, 2024

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a notorious gun runner on transit to deliver high caliber weapons to terrorists and intercepted a truck conveying illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO).

This is following its ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and sundry crimes, clamping down on various criminal syndicates across the country.

The troops also successfully rescued kidnapped victims while on transit.

In a statement by the army on Saturday it further stated that in Kaduna State, the vigilant troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, intercepted a notorious gun runner, Mallam Hashimu Ahmad at Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area.

“The suspect, who has been on the wanted list of the security agencies for supplying arms and ammunition to terrorists was captured while on transit to deliver sophisticated weapons, including one General Purpose Machine Gun, a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Launcher, one RPG Bomb, 1,069 rounds of 7. 62mm (special) ammunition and one belt of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition. The cache of arms and ammunition, as well as the vehicle used in conveying them, have fully recovered.

Similarly, in Delta State, troops acting on credible intelligence have intercepted a tanker truck laden with 15, 000 liters of substance suspected to be illegally refined AGO at Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area.

The troops have also taken the 2 suspects conveying the illegal product into custody for preliminary investigation, preparatory to handing over to appropriate prosecuting agency.

In Sokoto state, troops on patrol in the general area of Matalawa village of Isa Local Government Area have successfully rescued kidnap hostages who were abducted and taken into the forest while on transit. Responding to a distress call, the troops moved swiftly to the location, where they engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, leading to the extrication of the hostages. The rescued hostages have been reunited with their families.

The Nigerian Army however said it remains committed to protecting the nation and dismantling all criminal networks, inducing insecurity in the country.

“We, therefore, enjoin the public to support the troops by providing actionable information to enhance troops’ operations against terrorists and other criminal elements to ensure a safe and secure society.