By Our Correspondent
National News – The Nigerian Army has arrested two suspected criminals and recovered arms, ammunition and other incriminating items during coordinated operations in Kaduna and Abia States.
The operations, carried out on May 8 and May 9, 2026, were conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force North West (Operation FANSAN YAMMA) and Joint Task Force South East (Operation UDO KA), aimed at curbing insecurity across Nigeria.
In Kaduna State, troops of 2 Battalion at Forward Operating Base Dogon Dawa intercepted a 32-year-old suspect, Ibrahim Adamu, during a snap roadblock at Damari in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, recovering an AK-47 magazine, phones and cannabis.
In Abia State, 14 Brigade troops under Operation UDO KA arrested Ifeanyi Ezebuiro at Umuoriehe village, Umuahia North LGA, recovering a foreign-made Ruger pistol, while the suspect claimed it belonged to his late father.
According to the Army, preliminary investigation of mobile devices revealed incriminating images linking suspects to armed groups, and both suspects remain in custody for further investigation and prosecution.
The Army said the operations demonstrate its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of action, enhancing national security, and protecting law-abiding citizens through sustained intelligence-driven and coordinated military offensives.
The arrests occurred as part of ongoing nationwide counter-banditry and anti-crime operations, following increased intelligence reports of armed group movements across the North-West and South-East regions.
It further highlighted that the Nigerian Army continues to rely on coordinated patrols, snap checkpoints, and community intelligence to disrupt criminal networks, recover illegal weapons, and ensure public safety in affected communities.
Authorities confirmed that both suspects and recovered items are undergoing thorough investigation, with outcomes expected to support broader security operations and possible prosecution under military and civilian legal frameworks.
The Army reiterated its resolve to sustain pressure on criminal elements across all operational theatres in Nigeria.
Residents in Kaduna and Abia were urged to provide timely information to security agencies to strengthen ongoing operations.
