Soldiers arrest suspected criminals, recover firearms in Kaduna, Abia

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The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of two suspected criminals and the recovery of firearms and other incriminating items during separate operations in Kaduna and Abia States.

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According to a statement posted on the official Facebook page of the Headquarters, Nigerian Army, on Sunday, the operations were carried out under the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA.

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The Army said the operations formed part of ongoing offensives aimed at dismantling criminal networks and strengthening internal security across the country.

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In the North-West theatre, troops of 2 Battalion deployed at the Forward Operating Base, Dogon Dawa, intercepted a suspected bandit, Ibrahim Adamu, 32, during a snap roadblock operation at Damari in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State on May 8, 2026.

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The statement noted that the suspect, who was riding a motorcycle at the time of his arrest, was found with one AK-47 magazine, three mobile phones, Indian hemp, and other items.

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It added that preliminary examination of his mobile phone revealed incriminating photographs allegedly showing him dressed in military camouflage and carrying a PKT machine gun alongside other suspected bandits.

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“The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation,” the Army stated.

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In a separate operation in the South-East, troops of 14 Brigade under Operation UDO KA responded to a distress call on May 9, 2026, over alleged illegal possession of a firearm at Umuoriehe village in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

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Acting on credible intelligence, the troops mobilised to the scene and arrested a 22-year-old suspect, Ifeanyi Ezebuiro, recovering a foreign-made Ruger pistol from him.

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“During preliminary investigation, the suspect claimed the weapon belonged to his late father. The suspect and the recovered firearm remain in custody pending further investigation,” the statement added.

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The Army said the successes underscore its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of action while ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens across the country.

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It reaffirmed its resolve to sustain aggressive operations against insecurity in line with its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and maintaining national peace.

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