The Nigerian Army has apprehended a suspected arms dealer, rescued a kidnapped victim, and disrupted terrorist logistics networks in the last 24 hours.

A credible source at Army Headquarters told journalists that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on Thursday, apprehended a suspected terrorist informant during an ambush at Ungwan Gombawa in Kontagora Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger.

He said the troops of 1 Brigade also apprehended an alleged major terrorist logistics supplier and arms dealer at Danjigba in Bukkuyum LGA.

According to him, preliminary investigations reportedly linked him to two coordinators in Anka LGA believed to store weapons sourced from the Niger Republic.

“Troops recovered military uniforms, a helmet, boots, financial receipts totalling about ₦4 million and audio evidence relating to arms transactions.

“Troops responding to intelligence on the recent abduction of students of GGSS Maga in Kebbi State stormed a terrorist camp in Gando–Sunke Forest belonging to a kingpin known as Bello Kaura.

“The attackers fled, abandoning the location as troops destroyed the camp and support facilities,” he said.

The source said that another suspected informant travelling from Sokoto was apprehended at Augie, with troops recovering five ATM cards, clothing and ₦78,900.

He said the troops also survived an ambush along the Kaiga–Mara road in Katsina State, forcing the attackers to flee.

“Another operation in Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs led to a firefight during which troops captured two AK-47 rifles, ammunition and two motorcycles.

“Under Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau, troops foiled a kidnap attempt in Jos South, rescuing a victim who sustained gunshot wounds.

“Eight suspected criminal herders were also arrested in a separate raid in the same Local Government Area.

The source also revealed that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke responded to a road incident in Nasarawa, where three passengers were kidnapped and the driver injured, adding that efforts to rescue the victims were ongoing.

According to him, troops also arrested two herders destroying crops in Guma LGA of Benue.

He said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, recently undertook operational visits to Borno, Kaduna and Zamfara, where he assessed ongoing operations and urged troops to sustain discipline, alertness and the fight against terrorism.

(NAN)