Troops Make Major Arrests of Notorious Kidnappers, Gun-runners in Kaduna, Borno, Plateau, and Oyo States
By Kingsley Omonobi
The Nigerian Army has announced a significant success in its counterinsurgency efforts, with notable achievements in dismantling criminal networks across several states. On Thursday, the Army revealed that its forces have made substantial progress by breaking up a gun-running syndicate responsible for supplying arms to terrorist factions in the North West.
On August 7, 2024, coordinated operations led to the arrest of Mallam Yau Ibrahim, a prominent gun runner, in Babinga Kudaru village, Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area, Kaduna State. This arrest followed the earlier capture of another member of the syndicate on July 31, 2024, by Operation Safe Haven troops in Jos. Confiscated items from this operation include an AK-47 rifle, several magazines, and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition.
In a separate operation, intelligence led to the arrest of Abubakar Shehu, 25, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. Shehu is linked to a kidnap syndicate implicated in the murder of Alhaji Mairuga Abubakar, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) in Orelope Local Government Area, Oyo State. During a follow-up operation in Okoka forest, Itesiwaju Local Government Area, troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, a locally made pistol, and additional ammunition.
In Katsina State, troops ambushed and neutralized a terrorist in Anguwa Boka, Faskari Local Government Area. The operation yielded an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and other items.
These actions highlight the Army’s ongoing commitment to combating terrorism and criminal activity. The public is urged to support the troops by providing reliable information to aid in the continuation of these crucial operations.
