Two well-known suspected terrorists have been apprehended by Nigerian Army troops in various operations throughout the nation.
From the detained individuals, the soldiers also retrieved a stash of weapons.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) cited an Army Headquarters source who said that the gains were noted in operations carried out from October 7 to October 9.
When troops from 2 Brigade, working with the Department of State Services (DSS), raided the kidnapper’s hideout in Eket, Akwa Ibom, they apprehended Emmanuel Akpan, a notorious kidnapping kingpin, who was one of the suspects.
According to information obtained, Akpan, who is notorious for kidnappings along the Oron/Ibaka axis, was captured on October 7 during a joint operation and is presently being held by the DSS pending more investigation.
The source further stated that on October 8, while trying to penetrate the town of Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno, soldiers from the 196 Amphibious Battalion apprehended an ISWAP/JAS terrorist.
According to the preliminary investigation, the suspect pretended to be a combatant who was surrendering and worked as a logistics and intelligence courier between terrorist camps in Chad and the Niger Republic.
Two suspects were apprehended by 4 Demonstration Battalion troops in Kaduna State as they were transporting 1,307 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition along the Lere–Saminaka–Kaduna Road.
“The accused were taken into custody with ₦27,000 in cash and four cell phones. The ammo was being shipped to Zamfara from Barakin Ladi in Plateau State.
In the meantime, three ISWAP/JAS terrorists—one of whom was a woman—turned themselves in to 68 Battalion forces in Bosso, Niger State, claiming that their camps were suffering from severe military pressure.
“Security personnel are currently profiling the terrorists from Konduga and Jabilam who have surrendered for additional debriefing,” he stated.
According to the source, 222 troops engaged militants in a heavy battle in Bazamri Village, Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State.
After the battle, he explained, the soldiers found two RPG explosives and a belt with 150 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition.
In other areas, soldiers stepped up their efforts to combat oil theft in the states of Rivers, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, and Plateau, apprehending suspects and demolishing illicit processing facilities.
Troops destroyed multiple refining ovens, seized boats and vehicles used to transport illegal petroleum products, and collected 6,650 liters of Premium Motor Spirit during the operations.
“The Nigerian Army is committed to safeguarding its citizens, preventing terrorists from moving freely, and establishing secure environments for peace and economic growth,” he continued.
