In a significant breakthrough, Nigerian Army (NA) troops have dismantled a gun-running syndicate supplying arms to terrorist groups in the North West. They also captured a notorious kidnapping syndicate and recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition from the suspects.
On August 7, 2024, troops, in coordination with other security agencies, arrested notorious gun runner Mallam Yau Ibrahim in Babinga Kudaru village, Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This followed the earlier apprehension of another syndicate member on July 31, 2024, by troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in Jos. Recovered items include an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 rifle magazine, 1,641 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and 49 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.
In a separate operation, acting on credible intelligence, troops tracked down and arrested Abubakar Shehu, 25, in the Ijebu-Ode area of Ogun State. Shehu is a member of a kidnap syndicate responsible for the assassination of Alhaji Mairuga Abubakar, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) in Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The suspect led troops to Okoka forest in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, where they recovered four AK-47 rifles, a locally fabricated pistol, eight magazines, one cartridge, and 110 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. The pursuit of other syndicate members continues.
Additionally, in Katsina State, troops ambushed and neutralized a terrorist at Anguwa Boka in Faskari Local Government Area. Recovered items include an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, three rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, a mobile phone, and assorted items.
The arrest of Mallam Yau Ibrahim, the apprehension of the kidnap syndicate, and the elimination of a terrorist alongside the recovery of arms and ammunition are testaments to the NA’s commitment to safeguarding the nation from terrorism and criminality. The public is urged to support the troops with credible information to enhance ongoing operations.
