Troops Arrest Gunrunner, 14 Others, Recover Weapons

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a criminal kingpin (gunrunner) in Plateau,13 others and recovered arms and ammunition.

Army Headquarters sources said troops arrested a gunrunner identified as Umar Idi (aka Lere) in Shendam, Plateau State and recovered a motorcycle and sundry items.

The source said troops, in a 72-hour operation, killed several terrorists, as two surrendered, while 14 suspects were arrested in total.

Providing details, the source said troops conducting operations in Borno State successfully executed an ambush along Gamboru–Dikwa Road that disrupted a terror logistics movement and seized various items.

Similarly, troops of 192 Battalion and Hybrid Forces at Kuranabasa in Gwoza neutralised one ISWAP/JAS logistics courier. In comparison, two family members of the terrorist group surrendered to 112 Task Force Battalion in Mafa.

Additionally, the source said troops at a checkpoint in Kukawa arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator residing in Baga.

In the North West and North Central zones, troops of 1 Brigade in Zamfara rescued seven kidnapped victims after a swift pursuit of armed men in Maradun. At the same time, 3 Division Garrison in Plateau arrested a gunrunner with 10 weapons, including fabricated rifles and a Dane gun.

Troops also apprehended a notorious criminal kingpin known as Umar Idi (aka Lere) in Shendam, Plateau State, recovering a motorcycle and sundry items.

In another operation, troops arrested a suspect linked to a recent killing in Taraba with a locally made pistol and related materials.

Meanwhile, in Lagos, he said troops of 65 Battalion arrested seven drug peddlers and seized illicit substances.

Relatedly, troops of 1 Battalion in Birnin Kebbi apprehended two others with hard drugs,which they later handed over to the NDLEA.