Bandits and kidnappers wreaking havoc in Plateau and Nasarawa states have been apprehended by soldiers.
The Defence Headquarters made this known in a statement by its Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Benard Onyeuko, on Friday.
He said the criminals were arrested by troops of Operation Whirl stroke in separate operations between July 29 and August 3, 2022.
According to the DHQ, two terrorists were arrested in Nasarawa after a gun duel with the troops, adding that weapons were also recovered from the criminals.
It partly read, “Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke on July 29, 2022 based on credible intelligence, troops conducted clearance operation at Tse-Ibor, Tse-Igbakyor, Akwana and Ayinbe Villages in Logo Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and made contact with terrorists.
“In the encounter, troops responded with superior fire power, forcing terrorists to flee. The aftermath of the gun battle led to the arrest of Mr Danladi Selfa – 23 and Mr Usman Yau -28. Both were with gunshot wounds at a private hospital.”
According to the military, the items recovered include one AK 47 rifle and one magazine with 13 rounds of 7.62mm Special amongst others.
According to the statement, on the same day, following an intelligence report on the presence of suspected criminal elements at Kukyro village in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, troops in conjunction with locals carried out a raid operation and arrested one Moses Aindigh, a suspected terrorist and alleged bandit collaborator.
Onyeuko also said troops of Operation Safe Haven on August 3 and 4 2022 based on actionable intelligence arrested three suspected kidnappers.
The suspects – Umar Zakari, Usman Hamina and Haruna Umaru – were arrested at Fuskar Mata village, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.