By Milcah Tanimu
On August 9, 2024, the Nigerian Army announced a significant breakthrough in its anti-terrorism efforts with the successful dismantling of a gun-running syndicate supplying arms to terrorist groups in the North-West. The operation led to the arrest of Mallam Yau Ibrahim, a known arms supplier, in Babinga Kudaru village, Lere Local Government Area, Kaduna State. This arrest followed the apprehension of another syndicate member on July 31 by Operation Safe Haven troops in Jos, Plateau State.
The army’s statement revealed that a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the suspects, including an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, 1,641 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and 49 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.
In a related operation in Katsina State, troops ambushed and neutralized a terrorist in Anguwa Boka, Faskari Local Government Area. The troops recovered another AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, three rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, a mobile phone, and various other items.
Additionally, the army tracked and arrested Abubakar Shehu, 25, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. Shehu is linked to a kidnapping syndicate responsible for the assassination of Alhaji Mairuga Abubakar, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Orelope Local Government Area, Oyo State. Following his arrest, Shehu led troops to Okoka forest in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, Oyo State, where they recovered four AK-47 rifles, a locally fabricated pistol, eight magazines, one cartridge, and 110 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. The army continues to pursue other members of the syndicate.
In another development, an army corporal was detained in Borno State for stealing 602 rounds of ammunition, underscoring ongoing issues within the ranks.
