Troops arrest two terrorists, recover AK-47 in Zamfara

Troops of the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and other military-related items during a night patrol in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The suspects, identified as 25-year-old Jabiru Hassan and 23-year-old Umaru Bello, were arrested at about 1:50am on Monday by troops of the 1 Brigade Combat Team 2 operating from the Forward Operating Base in Kaura Namoda.

The Nigerian Army said the suspects were residents of Ilela village in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.

Items recovered during the operation included an AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated Dane gun, two rifle magazines, 55 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 18 Dane gun cartridges.

The troops also recovered a motorcycle, two Baofeng radio sets, a mobile phone, two MP3 players, a camouflage vest, two jungle hats, a handbag and N44,500 in cash.

In a statement, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade, Captain Yusuf Mohammed, said an initial examination of the suspects’ mobile phone uncovered photographs and video materials considered potentially incriminating and of intelligence value.

He said the materials had been forwarded for further verification and analysis to determine their relevance and possible links to terrorist activities in the area.

According to the Army, the arrests followed an encounter with the suspects during a night fighting patrol, describing the operation as part of ongoing efforts to prevent terrorists and other criminal elements from operating freely within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.

The Acting Commander of 1 Brigade, Col. J. Umaru, commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and professionalism.

Umaru urged personnel to sustain offensive operations and remain committed to denying terrorists and other criminal groups freedom of action across the area.

He also reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to protecting residents and supporting efforts to restore lasting peace and security in Zamfara State.