Nigerian Army nabs woman suspected of gunrunning in Plateau, saves kidnap victim in Edo

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a 30-year-old woman named Halima Ibrahim. She is suspected of arms trafficking. The arrest took place during an operation in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The operation was carried out by troops of Operation Enduring Peace. They worked together with local vigilantes and hunters. This followed the kidnap of a medical doctor named Abraham Owoicho on Wednesday.

According to a statement on X from the Nigerian Army on Friday, troops raided Kisayi and Dogon Daji settlements. They acted after receiving intelligence about the abduction.

The Army reported that some residents ran into the nearby bush when they saw the troops. Mrs Ibrahim was caught trying to escape with two AK-47 rifle magazines.

A search of her home in Kisayi B Village uncovered an AK-47 rifle, a locally made revolver, a military jungle hat, and three mobile phones. The Army said initial investigations showed that the AK-47 rifle likely belonged to Mrs Ibrahim’s husband.

This event comes as security operations increase in Plateau State. Troops and other security agencies are working harder to break up criminal groups involved in kidnapping and arms trafficking.

Separate Operation in Edo

In a different operation in Edo State, troops teamed up with the Edo State Security Corps. They rescued a 35-year-old kidnap victim named Mohammed Oboarekpe. The rescue happened after they confronted suspected kidnappers along the Afawosa, Iyora Road in Etsako West Local Government Area.

The Army said its troops set up an ambush at Powerline Uzairue. They did this after getting intelligence about the movements of suspected kidnappers in the area. The military stated that the troops saw the suspects with their victim and engaged them. This forced the kidnappers to leave Oboarekpe behind and run away.

The victim told the troops he was taken from his home in South Ibie on Thursday. The Army pointed out that these operations are part of their ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal groups involved in kidnapping, arms trafficking, and other violent crimes.

They urged the public to stay alert and give security agencies credible and timely information. This could help with ongoing operations. The military also promised to keep up its intelligence-driven operations. They will continue to work with other security agencies and local security partners to protect communities across the country.