Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested suspected bandits operating in Kaduna, Plateau and Nasarawa states.
Among the terrorists that were arrested by the troops included a notorious bandit who attempted to flee with gunshot wound.
Defence Information said the terrorists and criminals fell to the superior fire power of the troops.
In a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operation, Defence Headquarters, Major General Benard Onyeuko, the suspects, Mr Danladi Selfa, 23 years old and Mr Usman Yau, 28 years were caught during clearance operation at TSE-IBOR, TSE-IGBAKYOR, AKWANA and AYINBE Villages in Logo Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
“The terrorists were arrested with gunshot wounds at a private hospital”, he disclosed.
Items recovered include; one AK 47 Rifle, one Magazine with 13 rounds of 7.62mm Special amongst others.
The troops acted on credible intelligence.
According to the statement, “In the encounter troops responded with superior fire power, forcing terrorists to flee”.
“The aftermath of gun battle led to the arrest of the suspects.
Similarly, on the same day, following intelligence report on the presence of suspected criminal elements at Kukyro village in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, troops in conjunction with locals carried out a raid operation and arrested Mr Moses Aindigh, 27 years old terrorist and alleged bandit collaborator.
“Also arrested was Mr IIiyasu Mohammed – 37 years old a notorious kidnapper. “All arrested criminals have been handed over to relevant authorities”, Onyeuko, said in the statement.
With the same superior fire power, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN based on actionable intelligence arrested three suspected notorious kidnappers. The suspects are, Mr Umar Zakari, Mr Usman Hamina and Mr Haruna Umaru at Fuskar Mata village Bassa Local; Government Area of Kaduna State.
“The suspects confessed to have been involved in kidnapping activities in mentioned Local Government Areas”, the statement said.
“Also, on 3 August 2022 troops responded to a distress call from locals in Qua’anpan Local Government Area Plateau State of 4 kidnappers in a hotel hideout attempting to move people away. Troops mobilized to scene engaged criminals and neutralized 1 x kidnapper Mr Umar Muhammed. Items recovered include 1 AK47 rifle, 10 x rounds of 7.62mm special amongst other items. “Relatedly, on 2 August 2022, troops on patrol recovered 100 vandalized rail sleepers in an abandoned white Peugeot Boxer with Registration No AGL 466 XM at Bak village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area Plateau State.
“Also, on 4 August 2022 troops also conducted a rescue operation at Kasuwa Ali in Gindiri District Mangu LGA and subsequently rescued 2 kidnapped civilians Mr Ebuka Nnadi – 30years and Mr Uchenna Edoga – 25years.
“The rescued civilians have been reunited with their families,” the statement added.