Troops rescue kidnapped victims, nab gun runner in Kaduna
Troops rescue kidnapped victims, nab gun runner in Kaduna
Abdullateef Fowewe
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued an undisclosed number of kidnapped victims, and arrested a notorious gun runner identified as Mallam Hashimu Ahmad.
The Nigerian Army in a statement stated that the suspect has been on the wanted list of the security agencies for supplying arms and ammunition to terrorists.
He was apprehended according to the statement while in transit to deliver sophisticated weapons, including one General Purpose Machine Gun, a Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher, one RPG Bomb, 1,069 rounds of 7. 62mm (special) ammunition and one belt of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and the army recovered cache of arms and ammunition, including the vehicle used in conveying them.
In another operation in Delta State, troops working on credible intelligence thwarted a tanker truck laden with 15,000 litres of substance suspected to be illegally refined AGO at Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area.
The statement partly reads, “The troops have also taken the 2 suspects conveying the illegal product into custody for preliminary investigation, preparatory to handing over to the appropriate prosecuting agency.
“In Sokoto state, troops on patrol in the general area of Matalawa village of Isa Local Government Area have successfully rescued kidnap hostages who were abducted and taken into the forest while on transit. Responding to a distress call, the troops moved swiftly to the location, where they engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, leading to the extrication of the hostages. The rescued hostages have been reunited with their families.”
The Nigerian Army according to the statement is committed to protecting the nation and dismantling all criminal networks, inducing insecurity in the country.
“We, therefore, enjoin the public to support the troops by providing actionable information to enhance troops’ operations against terrorists and other criminal elements to ensure a safe and secure society,” the statement added.
In a report by Dailyeconomy on Saturday, July 27, 2024, the troops successfully rescued kidnapped victims and neutralised suspected kidnappers during an operation in Edo State.
