The Nigerian Army has disclosed the arrest of one Baana Zakari, an informant to Boko Haram criminals within the Bama area of Borno state.
Col Aminu Iliyasu, Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, who made the disclosure, stated that troops of 231 Battalion arrested the suspect also known as Okocha at Biu main Motor Park.
The Army media Coordinator also disclose the arrest of a Chadian, Usman Yage, who is said to be working with Goni Jere, Abul Qaqa and Modu Sulum , top Boko Haram/ Islamic State of West Africa Province commanders.
Iliyasu further disclosed the recovering of arms and equipments by troops of the force.
In the press release made available to newsmen in Abuja, Iliyasu revealed “Following the devastating defeat suffered by Boko Haram criminal elements on October 10, 2019 at Jagalta Village along Monguno Road in Borno State at the hands of a joint patrol team of Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE (OPLD) and Sector 2 Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Chadian Defence Forces (CDF), the troops of sector 3 OPLD continue to hunt for fleeing criminal insurgent and have in the process recovered additional 4 AK 47 Riffles, one Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG) Tube, one 60mm Commando Mortar, one abandoned Gun Truck and one Motorcycle belonging to the fleeing Boko Haram criminals.
In a similar encounter, troops deployed at Gubio successfully repelled a Boko Haram attack on their location and neutralized one Boko Haram criminal, recovered one AK 47 Riffle, one magazine, one Very High Frequency (VHF) Radio, one mobile phone in addition to syringes/ample of injections during mop up operations.
“Additionally, troops of 231 Battalion arrested one Boko Haram criminal suspect named Baana Zakari AKA Okocha at Biu main Motor Park. Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect acts as an informant to Boko Haram criminals within Bama general area.
“Furthermore, troops of 231 Battalion in conjunction with of 331 Artillery Regiment and Vigilantes acting on credible information arrested another Boko Haram criminals’ logistics supplier, Alhaji Lawan AKA CAFFENOL at Maina Hari Check Point while trying to cross with some consignments believed to be meant for the criminals. Items recovered from the suspect include 2 jerricans of palm oil, 2 jerry cans of vegetable oil, 2 cartons of biscuits, one carton of spaghetti and 30 packets of mosquito coils. Suspect is already making useful confessions to interrogators.
“In the same vein, the Joint Tactical Team made a significant arrest of an Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics supplier and courier. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, Usman Yage, who is of Chadian extraction, has been maintaining communication between the suspect, Goni Jere, Abul Qaqa and Modu Sulum who are all top wanted Boko Haram/ISWAP commanders. Investigations further revealed that the suspect uses one of Goni Jere’s phone numbers to purchase vehicles and motor cycles spare parts for ISWAP. He was arrested in possession of motorcycle spare parts and locally made smoke perfumes which were intended to be delivered to Goni Jere”.
In related development, one Chinedu Mark was arrested by troops of 144 Battalion (Rear), with a locally made pistol and 2 cartridges in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
He added that troops in the Niger Delta Region have intensified their operations against illegal oil bunkering, piracy, kidnapping, armed robbery and other sundry crimes.
Also in a release, Iliyasu stated “In another development, troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation MESA continue to raid criminal elements at their hideouts across the nation. Accordingly, troops of 144 Battalion (Rear) while acting on credible information intercepted and arrested one Chinedu Mark in Abiriba in Ohafia LGA of Abia State in possession of a locally made pistol and 2 cartridges hidden in a polythene bag stuffed with garri. Suspect confessed that he was conveying the arms to 3 of his friends who are now at large.
“Similarly, troops of 102 Guards Battalion arrested an imposter while on routine patrol along Jere – Katari – Kaduna – Abuja express way extorting money from motorists. The suspect, Godspower Linus was found with a fake Military ID Card, camouflage jungle hat, military belt and a motorcycle.
“In addition, between October 12-14, 2019, troops in the Niger Delta Region have intensified their operations against illegal oil bunkering, piracy, kidnapping, armed robbery and other sundry crimes. During the period, the unrelenting troops destroyed 4 identified illegal oil refining sites, 6 large metal storage tanks containing illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO), 4 large ground reservoirs, 6,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 80,000 litres of refined products in plastic drums and Jerri cans. Also recovered were 2 vehicles and a motorcycle”.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has thanked well-meaning Nigerians for the recent successes achieved by troops of the Nigerian Army across the nation.
The Army Chief noted the support accorded to troops of the Nigerian Army in the conduct of their daily operations. He also reassures all peace loving citizens and residents in the country of Nigerian Army’s resolve to providing a secured environment for all and sundry.
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