Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected criminals and recovered weapons, ammunition, and other items during separate security operations conducted in Kaduna and Abia states.
The Army disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday, stating that the operations were carried out by troops under Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, as part of efforts to combat criminal activities across the country.
According to the statement, troops of the 2 Battalion stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Dogon Dawa intercepted a suspected bandit, identified as 32-year-old Ibrahim Adamu, during a stop-and-search operation at Damari in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State on May 8, 2026.
The Army said the suspect was riding a motorcycle when he was apprehended, and a search led to the recovery of “one AK-47 magazine, three mobile phones, Indian hemp and other items.”
The military further disclosed that an examination of the suspect’s mobile phone uncovered photographs allegedly linking him to criminal activities.
“Preliminary exploitation of the suspect’s mobile phone revealed incriminating photographs showing him dressed in military camouflage and armed with a PKT machine gun alongside other suspected bandits,” the statement said.
It added that, “The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation.”
In a separate operation in the South-East, troops of the 14 Brigade under Operation UDO KA reportedly responded to a distress call on May 9, 2026, over alleged illegal possession of a firearm at Umuoriehe village in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
Acting on intelligence, the troops arrested a 22-year-old suspect, identified as Ifeanyi Ezebuiro, and recovered a foreign-made Ruger pistol.
The Army stated, “During preliminary investigation, the suspect claimed the weapon belonged to his late father.”
It added that, “The suspect and recovered firearm remain in custody pending further investigation.”
The military said the operations underscored its determination to curb insecurity and prevent criminal elements from operating freely.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in sustaining aggressive operations against all forms of insecurity in line with the constitutional mandate of protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national peace,” the statement added.
