The Nigerian Army’s 1 Division has successfully apprehended two individuals, Shuaibu Lawan and Salihu Usman, who are believed to be linked to the illicit supply of ammunition to terrorist groups. This development was disclosed by Musa Yahaya, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 1 Division, in an official statement issued on Wednesday.
The arrests took place in separate locations within the Awon general area of Kachia Local Government in Kaduna State. The operation was prompted by actionable intelligence provided by a previously apprehended suspect.
According to Yahaya, a significant cache of ammunition, including locally made AK-47 rifles, dane guns, 9mm ammunition rounds, live cartridges, and expended cartridge shells, was discovered within the compounds of the arrested suspects. These items had been concealed on their properties.
Yahaya explained, “Following credible intelligence, troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army in the early hours of Tuesday, October 24, 2023, arrested two terrorists collaborators and ammunition suppliers in Awon general area of Kachia Local Government Area in Kaduna State. The criminals were arrested in their various houses around Awon based on intelligence from a previously arrested collaborator who has been in troops custody.”
In a separate operation conducted by troops from the same division, a confrontation with suspected terrorists occurred in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This engagement led to the recovery of ammunition, motorcycles, and mobile phones, although the suspects managed to flee.
“In another operation the same day, troops of the division while on a clearance operation around the Dogon daji-Saulawa general area in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area made contact with terrorists and criminal elements. Troops engaged the criminals in a gun duel forcing them to scamper in disarray due to troops’ superior firepower. Items recovered include a G3 rifle, 16 motorcycles, 2 locally made guns, and a phone,” Yahaya reported.
These successful operations are indicative of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to combat and dismantle networks supporting terrorist activities, contributing to enhanced security and stability within the region.
