The troops of the Nigerian Army have announced the arrest of Mallam Hashimu Ahmad, who has been categorised as a notorious gun runner in Kaduna state, Nigeria.
According to the Army, the individual was in transit to deliver high-calibre weapons to terrorists and intercepted a truck conveying illegally refined Automated Gas Oil, AGO. It was also confirmed that the troops also rescued kidnapped victims while in transit in Kaduna State.
Providing more details of the arrest, the Army said vigilant troops, who worked in collaboration with other security agencies, got hold of the gun-runner in Lere Local Government Area of the state.
The NA further explained that the suspect had been on a wanted list for a long time for criminal dealings with the terrorist, which included the sale of arms and ammunition, but he was arrested while going to deliver some commodities to his accomplice.
They identified the recovered weapons as one General-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) Launcher, one RPG Bomb, 1,069 rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition, and one belt of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.
The Army also confirmed that the vehicle used for the criminal exercise was recovered, as well as a large cache of arms and ammunition.
In another success recorded by the Army in the Sokoto state, it was confirmed the resilient officers and men of the Army successfully rescued some individuals who were kidnapped and taken hostage in Matalawa village of Isa Local Government Area of the state, it was explained that the individuals were kidnapped while on transit.
The information noted that the officers, after a call for help from the locals, moved into the location where gunfire was exchanged with the protesters. It was noted that the Army overpowered the kidnappers, and they were rescued. After being taken out of the bush, the hostages were allowed to unite with their respective families.
In another operation in Delta State South South Nigeria, the troops acting office intelligence intercepted a tanker truck laden with 15,000 litres of substance suspected to be illegal AGO, which was refined through illegal means in the Ozoro area of Isoko North Local Government Area of the state.
During the operation, two suspects were arrested for conveying the illegal refund AGO. The statement confirmed that after all necessary preliminary investigations, the suspects would be handed over to the officials responsible for their prosecution.
The statement confirmed that the army would continue to do its best in its effort to curb the act of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and all other criminal acts that will put the country in a situation of unrest.
They further confirm that they remain resolute in the protection of the county from all criminal elements.
