… Dismantles oil bunkerers’ camp, arrest vandals***
The Nigerian Army says its troops conducting “Exercise Enduring Peace” apprehended no fewer than 35 kidnappers in various operations in the North Central zone of the country in October.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated this, while briefing newsmen on the ongoing exercise being conducted by the army across the country, on Monday in Abuja.
Nwachukwu said the troops of Headquarters Command, Army Records, Lokoja, in conjunction with personnel of NNS Lugard and a detachment of Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, conducted a Joint Amphibious Operation to clear Igwa Pati Island on River Benue, around Oguma general area on Oct. 12.
He said the troops, supported by NAF Helicopter gunship, stormed the Island and destroyed all bandits’ camps insight.
“A total of 35 suspected kidnappers were apprehended, while troops also recovered five AK-47 rifles, two Sub Machine Guns, two automatic pistols, five locally fabricated pistols, eight AK-47 magazines, two Sub Machine Gun magazines and two locally made double barrel guns,” he said.
Other recovered weapons, according to him, are five locally made single barrel guns, 557 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 36 rounds of 9mm and 89 cartridges.
He said eight outboard engines, one pumping machine, 14 machetes, one hammer, two axes and one knife were also recovered.
“Troops also rescued a nursing mother and four young ladies during the operation,” he said.
Nwachukwu said the COAS had commended troops for the modest successes recorded so far and urged them to sustain the tempo in order to decisively curtail the activities of criminals across the country.
“Troops are also encouraged to remain professional, vigilant and exhibit utmost respect for the Human Right of citizens in their respective Areas of Responsibilities.
“The Nigerian Army urges law-abiding citizens to take ownership of the ongoing exercises and volunteer useful actionable information to security agencies,” he said.
In another development, the Nigerian Army says the troops of 6 Division, operating under “Exercise Still Waters”, have conducted raid operations and destroyed five oil bunkering camps with 16 cooking ovens and 21 reservoirs in parts of Bayelsa and Rivers States.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated this while briefing newsmen on the ongoing army exercises across the country on Monday in Abuja.
Nwachukwu said the troops in conjunction with personnel of sister security agencies, conducted aggressive night patrol to Amousa in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers following credible information on the activities of bunkerers in the vicinity.
According to him, a total of three dumps with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were subsequently destroyed.
“This was followed by another raid operation on Oct. 7 within Opromor-Peretoror in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
“The raid led to the destruction of five bunkering camps, 16 cooking ovens and 21 reservoirs,” he said.
Nwachukwu also disclosed that troops also apprehended three suspected metal vandals along Oku–Iboku–Mbak road in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
He said the suspects were duly handed over to relevant authorities for further action.
The Army spokesman further stated that troops of 81 Division, had on Oct. 7, intercepted a large barge of illegally bunkered petroleum products along the Ojodu-Berger waterways.
He added that a Joint Patrol team, comprising troops of 2 Division, paramilitary personnel and vigilantes, rescued 18 kidnap victims from kidnappers’ hideout at Ezizubowa forest in Edo on Oct. 7.
According to him, the troops overwhelmed the criminals and forced them to flee the hideout.
“Troops subsequently rescued the kidnap victims and recovered 20 cartridges, 70 rounds of 7.55mm ammunition, one HP Laptop, 15 mobile phones, and the sum of N223,200, amongst others,” according to him.
Besides, he disclosed that troops of 81 Division also apprehended 17 suspected drug users and recovered a large volume of substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa on Oct. 6.
Nwachukwu also said that troops of 81 Division, in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), conducted an anti-drug raid operation and arrested eight suspects at Idi-Oro in Mushin, Lagos State.
He said that a foreign national in possession of several sacks of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa and other psychoactive drugs, worth about N6.5 million were intercepted.
“Same day, troops of 2 Division apprehended a serial impostor, one Ahmad Suleiman, following credible information on his nefarious activities in defrauding unsuspecting members of the general public around Tanke general area of Ilorin township.
“The suspect was arrested with two Guard belts and one pair of camouflage inner shirt and trouser, amongst other items,” he said.
Nwachukwu said the troops of 2 Division had on Oct. 9, arrested six suspected bandits’ logistics suppliers at Kaiama Forest in Borgu Local Government Area of Kwara.
He said the suspects were arrested with 160 gallons which the suspects confessed were used in conveying fuel to bandits.
According to him, troops of 6 Division had on Oct. 12 apprehended 7 suspects, while one human skull, one locally-made pistol, one motorcycle and seven mobile phones were also recovered.
