Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered an AK-47 rifle and other weapons in Plateau State, while a separate operation in Edo State led to the rescue of a kidnapped victim, the Army disclosed in a statement on Friday, August 21, 2026. In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, in collaboration with vigilantes and local hunters, conducted an intelligence-led raid on Kisayi and Dogon Daji settlements in Bassa Local Government Area, following the abduction of Dr Abraham Owoicho on August 19, 2026. During the operation, some occupants fled into the surrounding bush on sighting the troops, but a 30-year-old woman, identified as Halima Ibrahim, was apprehended while attempting to flee with two AK-47 rifle magazines.
A subsequent cordon and search of her residence at Kisayi B Village led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated revolver pistol, one military jungle hat and three mobile phones. Preliminary investigation indicated that the AK-47 rifle allegedly belonged to her husband, identified as Mr Ibrahim, who is currently at large. The suspect and the recovered exhibits have been taken into military custody for further investigation. Security sources said the investigation would focus on establishing the source of the firearms, the circumstances surrounding their possession and possible links between the suspects and criminal networks operating in the area. The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt the activities of kidnappers and illegal arms suppliers in Plateau State, particularly following recent incidents of abduction in parts of Bassa Local Government Area.
In a separate operation in Edo State, troops in conjunction with the Edo State Security Corps, laid an ambush at Powerline Uzairue, along the Afawosa–Iyora Road in Etsako West Local Government Area, on Friday, August 21, 2026. The operation, carried out at about 4:30 a.m., saw troops ambush suspected kidnappers after observing their movement in the area. While at the ambush position, troops sighted suspected kidnappers moving with their victim and engaged them, forcing the criminals to abandon the captive and flee into the surrounding forest. The rescued victim was identified as Mohammed Oboarekpe, 35, a resident of South Ibie, who disclosed that he had been abducted from his residence on August 20, 2026. Following the successful rescue, the victim was reunited with his family. The troops expended six rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition during the encounter, while the fleeing kidnappers escaped into the surrounding bush.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks involved in kidnapping, arms trafficking and other violent crimes, adding that troops would continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and local security stakeholders to counter all forms of criminality and safeguard communities. Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to enhance security across the country. The latest operations demonstrate the military's resolve to sustain pressure on criminal networks across the country, as troops continue to respond decisively to emerging threats while working to restore lasting peace and security in affected communities.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments