Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a notorious gun-runner on transit to deliver high calibre weapons to terrorists and intercepted a truck conveying illegally refined Automated Gas Oil, AGO.
The troops also rescued kidnapped victims while on transit in Kaduna State.
The Army said vigilant troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, intercepted the notorious gun-runner, Mallam Hashimu Ahmad at Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of the state.
It said: “The suspect, who has been on the wanted list of the security agencies for supplying arms and ammunition to terrorists was captured while on transit to deliver sophisticated weapons.
“The weapons include one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Launcher, one RPG Bomb, 1,069 rounds of 7. 62mm (special) ammunition and one belt of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.
“The cache of arms and ammunition, as well as the vehicle used in conveying them, have been fully recovered.”
In the same vein, the Army said: “In Sokoto State, troops on patrol in the general area of Matalawa village of Isa Local Government Area of the state have rescued kidnap hostages, who were abducted and taken into the forest while on transit.
“Responding to a distress call, the troops moved swiftly to the location, where they engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, leading to the extrication of the hostages.
“The rescued hostages have been reunited with their families.
“In Delta State, troops acting on credible intelligence have intercepted a tanker truck laden with 15,000 litres of substance suspected to be illegally refined AGO at Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area of the state.
“The troops have also taken the two suspects conveying the illegal product into custody for preliminary investigation, preparatory to handing over to appropriate prosecuting agency.
“Troops of the NA have continued to intensify ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and sundry crimes, clamping down on various criminal syndicates across the country.
The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting the nation and dismantling all criminal networks, inducing insecurity in the country.”