By ZAKAA LAZARUS, Abuja.
In a significant breakthrough, Nigerian Army (NA) troops have successfully dismantled a gun-running syndicate that specializes in supplying arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating in the North West.
Additionally, the troops have apprehended a notorious kidnap syndicate and recovered substantial cache of arms and ammunition from the suspects.
On 7 August 2024, 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 arrest followed an earlier apprehension of another syndicate member on 31July, 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. 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 arrest of the notorious gun runner Mallam Yau Ibrahim, and the apprehension of the kidnap syndicate, as well as the elimination of a terrorist alongside the recovery of arms and ammunition, are a veritable testament of the NA’s unflinching commitment in safeguarding our nation from the scourge of terrorism and criminality.
The general public is therefore enjoined to relentlessly support the troops with credible information to further enhance ongoing operations.
