Troops of the Nigerian Army have carried out two successful operations in Plateau and Edo States, leading to the arrest of a suspected gunrunner and the rescue of a kidnapped victim.
In Plateau State, soldiers of Operation ENDURING PEACE, working alongside vigilantes and local hunters, stormed Kisayi and Dogon Daji settlements in Bassa Local Government Area following the abduction of Dr. Abraham Owoicho on August 19. According to military sources, some suspects fled into the bush when they sighted the troops. However, a 30-year-old woman, Halima Ibrahim, was apprehended while attempting to escape with two AK-47 magazines.
A search of her residence in Kisayi B Village uncovered one AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated revolver, a military jungle hat, and three mobile phones. Preliminary investigations revealed that the rifle allegedly belonged to her husband, identified as Mr. Ibrahim. “This arrest is a significant step in dismantling the supply chain of illegal arms fueling insecurity in the region,” a military spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, in Edo State, troops in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps laid an ambush at Powerline Uzairue along the Afawosa–Iyora Road in Etsako West Local Government Area. During the operation, suspected kidnappers were intercepted while moving with their victim. The soldiers engaged the criminals, forcing them to abandon the abducted man, 35-year-old Mohammed Oboarekpe. He later disclosed that he had been taken from his residence in South Ibie on August 20. “I thought I would not make it out alive, but the soldiers came just in time,” Oboarekpe recounted.
The Nigerian Army emphasized its commitment to tackling kidnapping, arms trafficking, and other violent crimes. “We will continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to safeguard communities,” the Army stated.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and share credible information with security agencies. “Public cooperation is crucial in defeating criminal networks. Together, we can enhance security across the country,” the statement added.
