Army arrests soldier for gunrunning in Borno

The Nigerian Army has arrested one of its personnel for alleged gunrunning.

The Army has also carried out a series of successful operations that led to the rescue of eight kidnap victims and recovery of arms across the country.

A credible source at Army Headquarters in Abuja, noted that the soldier, identified as Lance Corporal Saifullahi Garba (14NA/72/15972), was arrested in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State with 711 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Garba had been stockpiling the ammunition from clearance operations with the intent to supply terrorists.

He has since been handed over to the appropriate authorities.

The source further disclosed that troops in Bama intercepted terrorists’ logistics, recovering 379 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Separate ambushes in Borno and Yobe States led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 11 rounds of ammunition and other items, with one terrorist killed.

In the North-Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued three kidnap victims in Nasarawa, adding to five earlier rescued, and recovered 579 rustled cattle along with two AK-47 rifles from armed herdsmen behind recent attacks in Taraba.

In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested 10 armed suspects in Rivers State disguised in OSPAC uniforms. They recovered five pump-action rifles, locally made guns, charms, mobile phones and ₦1.7 million cash. A separate raid in Ahoada East neutralised two cult leaders.

“These operations demonstrate the army’s resolve to deny terrorists and criminals freedom of action, while also dealing decisively with any betrayal within its ranks,” the source said.