By Thompson Yamput
Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have arrested three suspected terrorists’ logistics couriers from which various arms and ammunition were seized in Kogi State.
Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations (PRO) 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, made the disclosure in a statement signed in Lokoja on Monday.
Abdullahi said that feat was a result of over three months intensified series of operations and intelligence driven efforts aimed at cracking down on terrorists and dismantling their logistics supply networks within the operational environment in the state.
The PRO gave the names of tge suspects as Mathew Elisha (alias Nasara), Mallam Zubairu Abubakar and Adamu Abubakar Abdullahi arrested in different axis.
He said that in one of such operations, troops deployed along Road Jamata–Owara in Lokoja Local Government Area on March 29, intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics courier riding a motorcycle.
According to him, further intensive search on the motorcycle revealed that it was specially modified with a concealed compartment for the conveyance of ammunition and other items.
“Preliminary findings further established links between the suspect and known terrorist elements, leading to follow-on operations.
“Following the arrest of high-profile terrorist ammunition courier, Mathew Elisha (alias Nasara), who had been on security watch lists, troops of the Brigade recorded another operational success by intercepting two other suspected terrorists’ logistics couriers.
“We succeeded in recovering a large cache of ammunition in Kogi State.
“The operation, which was conducted on April 20, followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists’ logistics elements within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility, ” he said.
Acting swiftly on the report, troops deployed at Response Area Oshokoshoko mounted a snap checkpoint
He said that during another operation along Road Obajana–Kabba in Lokoja Local Government Area, troops intercepted a Toyota bus conveying the suspects en route Obajana from Makurdi.
Abdullahi added, “A thorough search of the vehicle led to the arrest of two suspected terrorists’ logistics couriers identified as Mallam Zubairu Abubakar and Adamu Abubakar Abdullahi.
“Further search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a sack containing 314 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition suspected to re establish their already dismantled network overtime and three AK-47 rifle magazines concealed behind the driver’s seat.
“Other items recovered from the suspects include two mobile phones, one driver’s licence, one National Identification Number slip, and an identity card.”
According to him, the suspects and recovered items have been handed over to 12 Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation and necessary action.
He said that the successful interception underscores the vigilance and proactive posture of troops in denying terrorists freedom of movement and disrupting their logistics network within the operational environment.
