By Zakaa Lazarus
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered an AK-47 rifle in Plateau State, while a separate operation in Edo State led to the rescue of a kidnapped victim.
According to military sources, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, in collaboration with vigilantes and local hunters, conducted an intelligence-led raid on Kisayi and Dogon Daji settlements in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. The operation followed the abduction of Dr Abraham Owoicho on August 19, 2026.
During the raid, some occupants fled into the surrounding bush on sighting the troops. However, a 30-year-old woman, identified as Halima Ibrahim, was apprehended while attempting to flee with two AK-47 rifle magazines.
A subsequent cordon and search of her residence at Kisayi B Village led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated revolver, one military jungle hat and three mobile phones.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the AK-47 rifle allegedly belonged to her husband, identified as Mr Ibrahim.
In a separate operation in Edo State, troops in conjunction with the Edo State Security Corps laid an ambush at Powerline Uzairue, along the Afawosa–Iyora Road in Etsako West Local Government Area.
While at the ambush position, troops sighted suspected kidnappers moving with their victim and engaged them, forcing the criminals to abandon the victim.
The rescued victim, 35-year-old Mohammed Oboarekpe, disclosed that he had been abducted from his residence in South Ibie on August 20, 2026.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling criminal networks involved in kidnapping, arms trafficking and other violent crimes.
It added that troops will continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and local security stakeholders to counter all forms of criminality and safeguard communities.
Members of the public were also urged to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to enhance security across the country.
