Army arrests suspected female gunrunner in Plateau, rescues kidnap victim in Edo

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Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected gunrunner, Halima Ibrahim, 30, while attempting to flee with two AK-47 rifle magazines in the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

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According to a tweet via the X handle of the Nigerian Army on Friday, an intelligence-led raid was conducted on Kisayi and Dogon Daji settlements in the LG following the abduction of one Dr Abraham Owoicho on August 19, 2026.

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The tweet noted that the raid was conducted by troops of ‘Operation Enduring Peace,’ in collaboration with vigilantes and local hunters. During the operation, Ibrahim was nabbed while attempting to flee with the two AK-47 rifle magazines.

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However, upon searching her residence, it was discovered that the rifle allegedly belonged to he husband.

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“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. The operation followed the abduction of Dr Abraham Owoicho on 19 August 2026.

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“During the operation, some occupants fled into the surrounding bush on sighting the troops. However, a 30-year-old woman, identified as Halima Ibrahim, was apprehended while attempting to flee with two AK-47 rifle magazines.

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“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, 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,” the tweet partly read.

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In another operation in Edo State, troops arrested suspected kidnappers at Powerline Uzairue, along the Afawosa–Iyora Road, Etsako West LGA of the state, leading to the rescue of a 35-year-old victim, Mohammed Oboarekpe,

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The army said, “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.

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“While at the ambush position, troops sighted suspected kidnappers moving with their victim and engaged them, forcing the criminals to abandon the victim, a 35-year-old Mohammed Oboarekpe, who disclosed that he had been abducted from his residence in South Ibie on 20 August 2026.”

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It reiterated its commitment to conduct intelligence-driven operations and urged members of the public to remain vigilant.

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“The Nigerian Army remains committed to dismantling criminal networks involved in kidnapping, arms trafficking and other violent crimes. Troops will 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.

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“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 tweet concluded.

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