Troops arrest 199 criminal suspects, kill many terrorists

The troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 199 criminal suspects and neutralised several terrorists in the country.

A credible source at the Army Headquarters disclosed that the troops intensified a nationwide counterterrorism and internal security operations.

He said the troops had sustained coordinated offensives in synergy with other security agencies, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and local vigilante groups.

The source revealed that the operations led to the dismantling of key criminal networks, recovery of arms and ammunition, and the seizure of illicit funds, stolen petroleum products, and digital crime tools.

In Borno State, he said the troops of 202 Battalion, operating alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), staged a successful ambush in the Bama axis, eliminating a suspected logistics courier for ISWAP/JAS terrorists.

He listed the recovered items to include a bicycle and vital mechanical parts suspected to be used in enemy supply operations.

The source also disclosed that in Sokoto State, the operatives from the 8 Division Garrison Strike Team disrupted drug trafficking networks near Giginya Cantonment and Raymond Village.

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He said the sting operation led to the arrest of four individuals and confiscation of narcotics, two motorcycles, a vehicle, N185,000 in cash, ATM cards, mobile phones, and a point-of-sale machine.

He added that in Katsina State, the troops of 17 Brigade repelled a deadly ambush on a Nigerian Police convoy in Malumfashi in a sharp military intervention.

According to him, during the counter-assault, security forces recovered a police Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and apprehended a notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammadu Hamisu, popularly known as Mamiyo, in possession of a motorcycle and communication devices.

The source told NAN: “In Kogi, the troops working in tandem with the ONSA Hybrid Forces apprehended a suspected kidnapper with alleged ties to a known insurgent leader active in Yagba East Local Government Area.

“In Edo, soldiers of 322 Artillery Regiment launched a surprise raid on criminal hideouts within EMU Forest.

“A major suspect was captured, and troops recovered a double-barrel gun, fabricated pistol, 24 mobile phones, live cartridges, several motorcycles, and over N500,000 in cash.

“In Abuja, the vigilant troops of the 176 Guards Battalion, alongside ONSA Quick Response Teams, apprehended three extremist informants during a snap checkpoint operation along the Lokoja-Abaji corridor.

“These operations send a clear message to criminals and enemies of the state, that no where is safe for those who threaten Nigeria’s peace and security.”

The Star