Troops nab suspects, recover stolen mack truck in midnight raid

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops from 144 Battalion (Rear) under Operation EASTERN SANITY arrested three suspected criminals and recovered a stolen Mack truck in a swift night patrol, according to a statement from Captain Mazinho Attah, Public Relations Officer of the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army.

The operation unfolded in the early hours of February 11, 2026, in the Akpaa area, driven by “credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminal elements,” Captain Attah said.

Acting on the tip, soldiers mobilized and nabbed the suspects— Mr. Darlington Ubochi, 25, from Ugwunagbo LGA; Mr. Chinedu Abara, 33; and Mr. Julius Chinemem Godwin, 29, both from Obingwa LGA in Abia State. They were caught with a Mack truck (registration T 4477 LA), stolen on February 8 from Port Harcourt Road in Aba and hidden at Opobo Junction.

“A preliminary investigation confirms that the vehicle had been declared stolen prior to its recovery,” the statement noted.

The truck is en route to the 144 Battalion Forward Operating Base in Osisioma, while the suspects remain in military custody for further probes before handover to relevant authorities.

Captain Attah emphasised the army’s resolve, “This successful operation underscores the Brigade’s sustained commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the security of lives and property within its Area of Responsibility.”

The action aligns with Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu NAM’s philosophy of decisive, joint operations.