The Nigerian Army says its troops operating along Mokwa-Jebba road intercepted a fleeing bandit in a vehicle travelling from Zuru to Ibadan during a stop-and-search operation.

The bandit was arrested on Sunday.

The army’s spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Nwachukwu explained that the “vigilant” troops spotted an occupant of the vehicle, who claimed to be “Sgt. Aminu Sule.”

He added that the suspect had a pair of camouflage, military boots, a knife and substance suspected to be charms.

He said on further interrogation, the suspect disclosed that he was travelling to Ogbomosho and further claimed that the uniform and boots belonged to his brother, who was a soldier.

According to the army, the suspect was fleeing from the ongoing military operations in Niger to a safe haven.

The army statement further said the troops handed over the fleeing bandits to the police at Mokwa for further investigation.

“The heat on bandits and other criminal elements in Niger has caused them to start fleeing to supposed safe havens. Members of the public, particularly around Niger and contiguous states are, therefore, enjoined to be vigilant and report any suspected movement of fleeing bandits to security agencies,” said the statement.

It added that the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, assured law-abiding citizens of Niger and other Nigerians of the safety of their lives and property.

“He further enjoined them to be wary of such sinister movements by fleeing bandits and continue to support the security agencies with useful information to enable them to maintain peace and security of the country,” the statement said.

(NAN)