Troops Arrest Suspected Bandits, Recover Arms in Kaduna and Abia

The Nigerian Army has arrested two suspected criminals and recovered weapons, ammunition, and other incriminating items during separate operations in Kaduna and Abia States.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, carried out the operations as part of ongoing offensives against criminal elements nationwide.

In Kaduna State, troops of 2 Battalion deployed at the Forward Operating Base in Dogon Dawa intercepted a suspected bandit during a snap roadblock operation at Damari in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area on May 8, 2026. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Ibrahim Adamu, was riding a motorcycle when he was stopped and searched. Recovered from him were one AK-47 magazine, three mobile phones, and Indian hemp.

Further checks on his mobile phone revealed incriminating photographs showing him dressed in military camouflage and armed with a PKT machine gun alongside other suspected bandits. The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation.

In a separate operation in Abia State on May 9, 2026, troops of 14 Brigade under Operation UDO KA responded to a distress call regarding the illegal possession of a firearm at Umuoriehe village in Umuahia North Local Government Area. Acting on credible information, they arrested 22-year-old Ifeanyi Ezebuiro and recovered one foreign-made Ruger pistol from him.

During preliminary investigation, the suspect claimed the weapon belonged to his late father. He and the recovered firearm are still in custody pending further investigation.

The Army stated that the operations demonstrate its commitment to denying criminals freedom of action and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens across the country.