Troops Nab Suspected Kidnappers Of Retired General

Nigerian Army troops have arrested four suspected kidnappers of a retired Army officer, Major General Richard Duru, who rejected an N5m bribe and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in Imo State.

The troops also killed seven terrorists in Borno and Yobe states as 11 terrorists surrendered.

A statement by the Nigerian Army on its official X handle said troops in Imo State successfully trailed and arrested the four suspects in connection with the murder of Major General Richard Duru, Retired.

The statement added that the suspects, “when nabbed, had attempted to bribe the troops with the sum of Five Million Naira (N5,000,000), but the soldiers turned them down.

The troops seized the bribe money, totalling N5,048,105, along with three vehicles, six Laptops and a cash-counting machine”.

Meanwhile, troops on 27 August 2024, acting on credible intelligence, ambushed Boko Haram terrorists at Logomani village in Ngala local government area of Borno State.  Troops following the firefight killed five terrorists and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and two bicycles.

In another operation in Gwoza local government area, 11 Boko Haram fighters, along with their family members, voluntarily surrendered to the troops.

“The terrorists stated that they could no longer withstand the firepower of the Nigerian Army, prompting their decision to surrender.

Also, in Yobe State, troops laid an ambush for Boko Haram terrorist’s logistics supply route at Wulle village in the Gujba local government area and killed two terrorists. The troops recovered one FN rifle, a magazine, and a bicycle.

Relatedly, in Anambra State, troops apprehended a notorious member of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN), Sunday Ofordimze Asika, also known as Aboy Ekwensu.

The statement added that the suspect, who has been on the security agencies’ watchlist, “is part of a criminal syndicate terrorising citizens of Ugu Npologu and Ezinifite communities in Aguta local government area”.

Items recovered include six cartridges, five machetes, a laptop, a vehicle, and assorted charms.

Also, in Cross River State, troops conducting waterway patrols intercepted an automated wooden boat used by armed criminals at Ikang village in Bakassi, a local government area of the state.

The statement said suspects who fled upon sighting the troops abandoned a pump-action rifle, three cartridges, a 40 HP boat engine, and the sum of N50,500.