By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended a total of 16 suspects and recovered arms and other items in a series of coordinated operations across multiple theatres nationwide.

This is contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the report, the arrests and recoveries were recorded within the last 24 hours under ongoing operations, including Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Operation MESA, Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation UDO KA.

The report revealed that in the North-West, troops of 8 Division Garrison, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA raided a suspected terrorist logistics base in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

It added that troops recovered a fabricated pistol loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and seized hard drugs, while 11 suspects were apprehended from identified hideouts during the operation.

“Similarly, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team, responded swiftly to a distress call in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara, providing immediate intervention and medical evacuation for victims, thereby preventing further escalation.

“In Kebbi, troops of 8 Division Strike Force, while on patrol, successfully located and recovered the remains of a missing soldier, ensuring proper evacuation,” the report said.

It also revealed that troops in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and local security groups conducted coordinated raids on criminal hideouts in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo.

Accordimg to the report, the operation led to the arrest of two suspects and recovery of weapons including machetes, a spear and a mobile phone used for criminal activities.

The report also said that the troops of 20 Model Battalion working with Defence Intelligence Agency operatives arrested one suspected gunrunner in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba.

According to the report the suspect was linked to the supply of 23 AK-47 rifles to a rogue vigilante leader in what officials described as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb illegal arms proliferation.

“Further successes were recorded in Plateau under Operation ENDURING PEACE, where troops foiled a cattle rustling attempt in a border community between Bassa and Jos South Local Government Areas, forcing the armed group to abandon their mission.

“In the South-South, troops of 245 Battalion under Operation UDO KA intercepted one suspected criminal during a stop-and-search operation in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River.

“The suspect was found in possession of two locally made pistols. He has provided useful intelligence, with follow-up operations ongoing,” it added.

The report noted that the sustained successes underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration and proactive deployment of troops across critical locations.

It added that efforts would be sustained to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the country. (NAN)