Crime
Troops intercept truck with over 164,000 cartridges in Anambra, arrest suspected IPOB/ESN arms suppliers
Troops intercept truck with over 164,000 cartridges in Anambra, arrest suspected IPOB/ESN arms suppliers
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA, in a joint operation with operatives of the 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS), have intercepted a truck loaded with over 164,000 live cartridges allegedly being supplied to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed credible intelligence which led to the arrest of a suspected arms courier, Mr Emeka Omenife, along the Asaba–Onitsha expressway on 29 May 2025.
According to the sources, Omenife was immediately handed over to the DSS for interrogation. During questioning, he reportedly confessed to being part of a syndicate involved in transporting ammunition from Ghana to Nigeria for IPOB/ESN operatives.
Following his confession, troops arrested his accomplice, Mr Uchenna Obiora, at the Onitsha–Awka tollgate on 30 May 2025, while he was awaiting delivery of the ammunition.The arrest led to the interception of a truck which had the concealed ammunition.
“Upon interception, the vehicle was moved to Onitsha Cantonment, where a thorough search revealed a total of 164,650 live cartridges hidden in four constructed compartments within the cargo bed of the truck,” a source told Zagazola.
The cartridges, believed to have been purchased from Ghana, had Onitsha as their destination, the source added. Further investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate and their collaborators.
Zagazola also confirmed from security sources that Omenife had earlier been arrested by troops and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) tracking team on Jan. 22 at his residence in Onitsha Housing Estate.
During the January operation, he attempted to flee and was shot in the buttocks before being evacuated to the 302 Army Regiment Medical Services for treatment. He was later handed over to the Anambra State Police Criminal Investigation Department, Annex Akwuzu, for prosecution. His re-arrest in May suggests that he may have returned to the same criminal enterprise following his release in an unexplained circumstances.
Troops intercept truck with over 164,000 cartridges in Anambra, arrest suspected IPOB/ESN arms suppliers
Troops foil banditry attack in Katsina, recover rustled cattle
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives have foiled a banditry and cattle rustling operation in Lambun Kyauta village, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, recovering a large herd of stolen cattle.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack occurred late on July 29 at about 10:30 p.m. when suspected armed bandits stormed the residence of a local herder, Alhaji Rabi’u, and rustled his livestock.
A team of security operatives were immediately dispatched to the scene. The operatives intercepted the attackers, leading to a fierce gun battle that forced the bandits to abandon the stolen cattle and flee into the bush.
The team later encountered a group of hunters during a follow-up search, resulting in another exchange of gunfire. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.
Security has since been reinforced in the area, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent further incursions.
Troops foil banditry attack in Katsina, recover rustled cattle
Gunmen abduct pastor, two others on farm in Kajuru LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted three persons, including a clergyman, at Bauda Village in Maro Community, Kajuru Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims, Rev. Anthony Lamba, 50, of ECWA Church Bauda Village, Christiana Anthony, and Danlami Zana, were seized while working on their farm on Friday afternoon.
Security forces were immediately mobilised to the scene, but the kidnappers had already fled with the victims to an unknown destination.
Efforts had been intensified to rescue the victims unhurt, while investigation into the incident is ongoing.
End
Troops neutralise three terrorist kingpins in Sokoto ambush
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have neutralised three notorious terrorist kingpins during a successful ambush operation in Sabon Birni Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.
Zagazola Makama report that the operation was conducted on July 25 between Mallamawa and Mazau villages in the Tsamaye/Mai Lalle District of the LGA.
During the operation, the troops neutralised the terrorists identified as Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu and Ali Yar Daribiyar, and recovered three AK-47 rifles with magazines and a motorcycle.
Sources told Zagazola that the terrorists and their foot soldiers were in the area to collect ransom and illegal levies imposed on residents when they were ambushed by the troops.
The source said the operation has triggered widespread relief and jubilation among residents of Mai Lalle, Tsamaye, Rimaye and nearby communities across Sabon Birni and Goronyo LGAs.
“These terrorists have long tormented the communities with killings, kidnappings and extortion, so this success is a huge morale boost for the people,” the source added.
The troops have continued to intensify kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in synergy with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.
The military has urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to assist the troops in sustaining momentum against criminal elements.
Troops neutralise three terrorist kingpins in Sokoto ambush
Police rescue kidnapped schoolgirl in Abuja, arrest four suspects
Army troops launch manhunt as bandits abduct two farmers in Sokoto
Rivalry between bandit kingpins Kachalla Alti and Haruna Hari claims three lives in Zamfara
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