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Defence Headquarters Confirms Arrests of Suspects Linked to Terrorist Operations

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Defence Headquarters in Abuja has disclosed the arrest of three individuals suspected of being involved in terrorist operations in Nigeria. The arrests were made during military operations in Borno and Yobe states, with the suspects allegedly being linked to arms smuggling and terrorist groups. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed the details of the arrests during a press briefing on Thursday, where he provided updates on ongoing military operations across the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Isah Abdullahi and Abdullahi Mohammed, were arrested in Liya, Biu LGA of Borno State, while receiving a suspicious consignment from a truck driver. The consignment matched intelligence earlier received regarding the items intended for terrorist groups.
  • Recovered items from the operation included 13 pairs of military uniforms, high-voltage batteries, and other materials believed to be intended for use by insurgent groups.
  • A 65-year-old man, Shaibu Bulama, was arrested at Damasak Motor Park in Yobe State, in possession of arms, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and a sum of 17,150. The recovered explosives were safely detonated by security operatives.
  • Ongoing operations in the North-East have continued to yield results, with 16 relatives of terrorists comprising four adult women and 12 children surrendering to troops in Bama Local Government Area on July 14th. Preliminary investigation revealed they fled from Bakura Jega village.
  • Troops apprehended a suspected tax collector for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
  • The suspect was reportedly mandated by the separatist group to extort money from local residents, with troops recovering 1.5 million naira believed to be proceeds from illegal levies imposed on residents.

Statistics:

  • 2 members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) arrested in Borno State.
  • 13 pairs of military uniforms recovered.
  • High-voltage batteries and other materials believed to be intended for use by insurgent groups recovered.
  • 1.5 million naira recovered as proceeds from illegal levies imposed on residents by suspected IPOB/ESN tax collectors in Anambra State.
  • 65-year-old man, Shaibu Bulama, arrested in Yobe State in possession of arms, ammunition, IEDs, and a sum of 17,150.
  • 16 relatives of terrorists (4 adult women and 12 children) surrendered to troops in Bama Local Government Area on July 14th.

Sources:

  • Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
  • Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

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