Troops of the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered arms, ammunition and communication equipment during a night patrol in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of August 25 by troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 2, operating from the Forward Operating Base in Kaura Namoda.
The suspects were identified as 25 year old Jabiru Hassan and 23 year old Umaru Bello. The Army said both suspects are from Ilela Village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Items recovered during the operation include an AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated Dane gun and two rifle magazines.
Troops also recovered 55 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 18 cartridges for the Dane gun.
Other items seized include a motorcycle, two Baofeng radio sets, a mobile phone, two MP3 players, a camouflage vest, two jungle hats and a handbag.
The troops also recovered N44,500 in cash from the suspects.
The Army said a preliminary examination of the suspects’ mobile phone revealed photographs and videos considered potentially incriminating and of intelligence value.
According to the statement, authorities are currently verifying and exploiting the contents to determine their relevance and possible links to terrorist activities in the area.
The Army described the operation as another setback for criminal elements operating within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.
It said the arrests and recovery of weapons, ammunition and communication equipment demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence led operations and sustained fighting patrols in vulnerable locations.
The Acting Commander of 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Colonel J. Umaru, commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and professionalism.
He urged personnel to sustain offensive operations and continue denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action within the Brigade’s area of responsibility while reaffirming the Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property while supporting efforts to restore lasting peace and security across Zamfara State.
