The Nigerian Army has apprehended one of its own personnel for alleged involvement in illegal arms dealing, while also rescuing several kidnap victims and seizing dangerous weapons in a series of coordinated operations across the country.
A senior military source at Army Headquarters, who spoke with journalists in Abuja confirmed that the suspect, Lance Corporal Saifullahi Garba (Service No. 14NA/72/15972), was arrested in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
He was allegedly found with 711 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition believed to have been diverted from clearance operations.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the soldier had been stockpiling the ammunition with plans to supply terrorist groups operating in the region.
“He has already been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and appropriate action,” the source said.
In a separate development, troops in Bama, Borno State, intercepted a logistics movement linked to insurgents, recovering 379 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Additional ambush operations in parts of Borno and Yobe resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 11 rounds of ammunition, and other combat materials, with one terrorist reportedly neutralised.
The military also recorded progress in the North-Central region, where soldiers rescued three more kidnap victims in Nasarawa State, adding to five others earlier freed.
Troops operating under Operation Whirl Stroke further retrieved 579 rustled cattle and seized two AK-47 rifles from armed herders responsible for previous attacks in Taraba State.
Meanwhile, in the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested 10 armed men in Rivers State who were disguised in OSPAC security uniforms.
They confiscated five pump-action rifles, locally-made firearms, charms, mobile phones, and N1.7 million in cash.
A separate raid in Ahoada East reportedly led to the neutralisation of two suspected cult leaders.
“These operations reflect the army’s determination to cut off terrorists and criminals from their supply chains and ensure they have no safe haven,” the source added.
“It also sends a strong message that any act of betrayal from within the ranks will be met with swift and decisive action.”