Troops of the Nigerian Army have raided the hideout of a suspected gunrunner in Plateau State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and other weapons, while a separate operation in Edo State resulted in the rescue of a kidnapped victim.
The operations are part of the Army’s ongoing intelligence-driven efforts to disrupt arms trafficking, dismantle kidnapping networks and protect communities from violent criminal groups.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, working alongside 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 August 19, 2026.
The Army said some occupants of the settlements fled into the surrounding bush after sighting the troops. However, troops apprehended a 30-year-old woman, identified as Halima Ibrahim, while she was allegedly attempting to flee with two AK-47 rifle magazines.
A subsequent cordon-and-search operation at her residence in 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 recovered AK-47 rifle allegedly belonged to the suspect’s husband, identified as Mr Ibrahim.
In Edo State, troops, working with the Edo State Security Corps, mounted an ambush at Powerline Uzairue along the Afawosa–Iyora Road in Etsako West Local Government Area.
While positioned at the location, the troops reportedly sighted suspected kidnappers moving with a victim and immediately engaged them.
The confrontation forced the criminals to abandon their captive and flee, enabling the troops to rescue 35-year-old Mohammed Oboarekpe.
The rescued victim told troops that he had been abducted from his residence in South Ibie on August 20, 2026.
The Nigerian Army said the operations underscored its commitment to dismantling criminal networks involved in kidnapping, arms trafficking and other violent crimes.
It said troops would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations in collaboration with other security agencies and local security stakeholders to disrupt criminal activities and safeguard communities.
The Army also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations and strengthen security across the country.
