TROOPS INTERCEPT ILLEGAL ARMS SUPPLY SYNDICATE, RECOVER CACHE OF SOPHISTICATED WEAPONS, RESCUE KIDNAP VICTIMS. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE

 TROOPS INTERCEPT ILLEGAL ARMS SUPPLY SYNDICATE,  RECOVER CACHE OF SOPHISTICATED WEAPONS, RESCUE KIDNAP VICTIMS

Troops of the Nigerian Army have continued to intensify ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and sundry crimes, clamping down on various criminal syndicates across the country. In recently conducted operations, troops arrested a notorious gun runner on transit to deliver high caliber weapons to terrorists and nabbed a truck conveying illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO). The troops also successfully  rescued kidnapped victims while on transit.

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 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.