Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have apprehended two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, for allegedly transporting arms to terrorists.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed on Thursday that the troops arrested the transport union officials at Liya in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The troops also arrested 11 terrorist collaborators and rescued seven kidnapped victims in the North East while 16 family members of terrorists — including four adult females and 12 children — surrendered to troops in Bama LGA of Borno on Monday.
Kangye said preliminary investigations revealed that the group surrendered from Bakura Jega village.
“Two members of NURTW were arrested in Liya, Biu LGA of Borno while receiving waybill from a truck driver which corresponded with intelligence received earlier on the said consignment.
“The items include 13 pairs of military uniforms and some high voltage batteries amongst others.
“Troops also arrested a 65-year-old man, a terrorists’ logistics supplier at Damasak Motor Park in Yobe on Sunday.
“Troops recovered some quantities of arms and ammunition were also recovered.
“They also retrieved and safely detonated some IEDs, while the sum of N17,150.00 was also recovered,” he said.
Kangye also disclosed that troops of Operation UDO KA, also apprehended a tax collector for the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in Anambra.
He said the suspect was arrested with the sum of N1.5 million in his possession.
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“On July 10, troops arrested an POB/ESN terrorists’ collaborator who was commissioned by the terrorists to collect taxes from the locals on their behalf in Ihiala LGA of Anambra.
“The troops recovered the sum of N1.5 million from the suspect,” he said.
In Sokot State, the Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected Lakurawa bandit and the recovery of an AK-49 rifle with ammunition, following a swift, intelligence-led operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ahmed Musa disclosed this in a statement that operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted decisively on credible intelligence on Sunday, leading to the arrest of one Buba Magaji from Julirkol Village in Silame Local Government Area.
“His arrest was based on a specific tip-off identifying him as a close associate of the Lakurawa bandit syndicate, a group notorious for terrorising communities across multiple local government areas in the state.
“During the investigation, Magaji confessed to being involved in various criminal activities linked to the syndicate.
“He also revealed the location where he had hidden an AK-49 rifle in the bush along the Silame axis,” he said.
The commissioner added that following his lead, police operatives on Wednesday conducted a meticulous search of the area and recovered an AK-49 rifle, a magazine, and 22 rounds of live ammunition.
Musa described the arrest and arms recovery as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
“This operation is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of actionable intelligence and the dedication of our anti-kidnapping unit.
“It directly disrupts the operations of a group that has inflicted immense suffering in Silame, Wamakko, Binji, and Yabo LGAs,” he stated.
The CP commended the vigilance of community members whose tip-off led to the successful operation and urged continued public cooperation in the fight against crimes.
Musa reassured the residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to tackling kidnapping, banditry, and all forms of criminality in the state.
NAN
