Troops arrest suspected spy, recover weapons in Cross River

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation UDO KA have arrested a suspected spy attempting to infiltrate a military defensive position in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:55 a.m. on Wednesday at Isabang settlement while allegedly conducting reconnaissance on troops’ locations.

According to the sources, troops of the 245 Battalion intercepted the suspect during a routine security sweep, leading to his arrest.

Items recovered from the suspect include a short locally made pistol, a cutlass, a torchlight and two mobile phones.

“During preliminary investigation, the suspect admitted to being a spy allegedly sent by a criminal group to carry out reconnaissance within the community,” the source said.

He added that the suspect also provided useful intelligence, including the identity of one Christopher Emmanuel, popularly known as “Black Stone,” as a member of the group responsible for a recent attack on troops in the area.

The sources noted that troops have since intensified aggressive patrols across the Odonget general area and its environs to deter further hostile activities.

They reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents.

Troops arrest suspected spy, recover weapons in Cross River

Troops arrest two suspected drug peddlers in Abia raid

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation UDO KA have arrested two suspected drug peddlers during a raid in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

Security sources disclosed that the operation was conducted at about 6:00 p.m. on March 14 by troops of the 145 Battalion (Rear) under Operation Crush, Sector 1.

According to the sources, the troops carried out a targeted raid on a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout located along Bende Road following credible intelligence about illicit drug activities in the area.

During the operation, two suspects were apprehended while in possession of substances suspected to be psychotropic drugs.

The troops recovered the exhibits at the scene and secured the area before concluding the operation.

Military authorities said the suspects and the recovered items had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) command in Umuahia for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Security officials noted that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb criminal activities within the state.

They reiterated the commitment of troops to sustain intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for residents

Troops arrest two suspected drug peddlers in Abia raid

Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued six kidnapped victims after engaging suspected terrorists in a gun battle in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists suspected to be transporting abducted victims through forest routes in the area.

According to the sources, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gurara, under Sub-Sector 4 of Operation FANSAN YANMA, responded swiftly to the intelligence at about 7 a.m. on March 14.

The troops subsequently laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point used by the terrorists around Sabon Kurutu Village in Kachia LGA.

“During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The criminals, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning some items,” the source said.

Following the engagement, troops combed the general area and successfully rescued six kidnapped victims. However, a seventh victim, a minor, was reported to have died during the crossfire between the troops and the fleeing terrorists.

Troops also recovered three motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during the movement of the abducted victims.

Preliminary interrogation of the rescued victims revealed that they were abducted earlier on March 14 from Janjala Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victims said they had been moved through forest routes by the terrorists before the troops intercepted them.

The rescued victims and the body of the deceased minor were evacuated to Katari Hospital for medical attention and other necessary procedures.

Military sources said families of the rescued victims had been contacted.

The Military said the troops 1 Division Operation FANSAN YANMA and other task force has continued sustained offensives and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across the North-West region.

Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna