Juliana Francis
Troops and other security agents have arrested two suspected traffickers and rescued 13 teenage girls.
The Director Defence Media Operation, Major General Musa Danmadami, said: “The Maritime component of Operation AWATSE on 12th of September 2022 arrested two child trafficking criminals with two passenger boats loaded with 13 teenage girls suspected to be victims of child trafficking around Akarakumo waterways in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Danmadami explained that there was a sustained offensive and raid operation against the activities of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) and other criminal elements in the zone.
According to him on 17th September 2022, troops in a coordinated joint operation with the Nigerian Police and operatives of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) conducted an offensive operation at an identified criminal camp at Orsumoghu Forest in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Danmadami said: “During the encounter troops neutralised two criminals and recovered four Improvised Explosive Devices, four locally fabricated RPGs, one pump action rifle, five Dane guns, one short gun, one pistol, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special, five vehicles, seven motorcycles, among others. Troops also conducted operational activities in Imo, Enugu State and Abia at criminal hideouts and camps. From these operations, troops recovered four Improvised Explosive Devices, four locally fabricated RPGs, one pump action rifle, four pistols, four AK47 rifles, 10 motorcycles, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special and seven Dane guns among others. Troops also arrested five suspected criminals and neutralised four.”
Danmadami also mentioned that Troops of Operation AWATSE in the conduct of Operation SWIFT RESPONSE and Operation TRIPARTITE Joint Border Patrol conducted operational activities at Rounda road in Lafenwa Abeokuta South Local Government Area, Ijebu Ode-Ibadan road, Sango Ota, Idiroko, in Ewekoro Local Government Area and Yewa Local Government Area of Ogun State. Other locations include Owode Apa Lagoon, Akarakumo waterways in Badagry Local Government Area and Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State and Arogbo Ijaw in Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State and Agbaruru bush path in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State respectively.
