The Nigerian Army has reported a significant breakthrough in its counterinsurgency operations, dismantling a gun-running syndicate that has been supplying arms and ammunition to terrorist groups in the North West region. The operation also led to the arrest of a notorious kidnap syndicate and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition.
In a statement released by the Army on Thursday, it was revealed that troops, in coordination with other security agencies, arrested Mallam Yau Ibrahim, a notorious gun runner, on August 7, 2024, in Babinga Kudaru village, Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This arrest followed the earlier apprehension of another syndicate member on July 31, 2024, by troops of Operation Safe Haven in Jos.
Among the items recovered from the gun-running syndicate were an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 rifle magazine, 1,641 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and 49 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.
In a separate operation, acting on credible intelligence, troops tracked down and arrested Abubakar Shehu, 25, a member of a kidnap syndicate in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. Shehu is believed to be involved in the assassination of Alhaji Mairuga Abubakar, the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) in Orelope Local Government Area, Oyo State. Following his arrest, Shehu led the troops to Okoka Forest in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, where they recovered four AK-47 rifles, a locally fabricated pistol, eight magazines, one cartridge, and 110 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.
The Army also reported a successful ambush in Katsina State, where troops neutralized a terrorist at Anguwa Boka in Faskari Local Government Area. Items recovered from the terrorist included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, three rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, a mobile phone, and other assorted items.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation from terrorism and criminal activities. The public is urged to continue supporting the troops by providing credible information to enhance ongoing operations.
