Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered an AK-47 rifle in Plateau State.
A separate operation in Edo State led to the rescue of a kidnapped victim, the Army disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, working with vigilantes and local hunters, carried out an intelligence-led raid on Kisayi and Dogon Daji settlements in Bassa Local Government Area.
The operation followed the abduction of Dr Abraham Owoicho on 19th August 2026.
According to the statement, some occupants fled into the bush on sighting the troops. However, a 30-year-old woman, Halima Ibrahim, was apprehended while attempting to flee with two AK-47 rifle magazines.
A subsequent cordon and search of her residence at Kisayi B Village led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated revolver, one military jungle hat and three mobile phones.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the AK-47 rifle allegedly belonged to her husband, identified as Mr Ibrahim.
Kidnap victim rescued in Edo
In a separate operation, troops in conjunction with the Edo State Security Corps laid an ambush at Powerline Uzairue, along the Afawosa–Iyora Road in Etsako West LGA.
While at the ambush position, troops sighted suspected kidnappers moving with their victim and engaged them. The criminals fled, abandoning the victim.
The rescued victim was identified as 35-year-old Mohammed Oboarekpe, who disclosed that he had been abducted from his residence in South Ibie on 20th August 2026.
The Nigerian Army said it remains committed to dismantling criminal networks involved in kidnapping, arms trafficking and other violent crimes.
“Troops will continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and local security stakeholders to counter all forms of criminality and safeguard communities,” the statement said.
The Army urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to enhance security across the country.
