Troops nab arms dealer with explosives, disrupt terror logistics in recent operations

Abuja: Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended a suspected arms and explosives dealer transporting 180 20mm Super Power explosives allegedly destined for terrorists in Katsina.

Operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, revealed that the suspect was captured by troops of 1 Brigade at a checkpoint in Zurmi, Zamfara, following intelligence on his movement.

The report said the explosives were reportedly being conveyed from Gusau for delivery to a suspected terrorist operating in Jibia Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina.

It said troops continued operations against terrorist logistics networks and other criminal elements across Zamfara, Katsina and neighbouring states.

The report added that troops of Operation HADIN KAI intercepted four suspected ISWAP family members along the Gwoza-Limankara Road in Borno.

It said preliminary investigation indicated that the four escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains due to lack of basic necessities.

It added that troops also arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers in Benisheik and Maiduguri, recovering two mobile phones and 84 pieces of mosquito coils.

“In Adamawa, follow-up operations targeting suspected terrorist logistics suppliers led to the recovery of two Android phones and a tricycle at Old Market, Mubi North.

“Troops of 226 Battalion, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, NDLEA and other agencies, also raided a suspected drug peddler’s store in Gombi.

“10 suspects were arrested with substances suspected to be heroin and handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation,” it said.

According to the report, in the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA safely detonated multiple IEDs discovered along the Odumeje-Eketutu-Udah axis in Orsu LGA of Imo.

“The troops subsequently recovered a locally fabricated pistol and three cartridges during exploitation of the area.

“In a separate incident in Enugu, troops responding to an attempted robbery intercepted a vehicle conveying suspected armed robbers after firing a shot to immobilise it.

“Two suspects escaped, while another sustained gunshot injuries and later died in hospital. Troops recovered mobile phones, foreign currency and ₦8,700 from the vehicle,” it said.