Family Case | Army Arrests Soldier Over Alleged Gunrunning in Borno

The Nigerian Army has arrested one of its personnel for alleged gunrunning, even as troops rescued kidnap victims and recovered arms and ammunition in recent nationwide operations.

A credible source at Army Headquarters disclosed on Monday in Abuja that the soldier, identified as Lance Corporal Saifullahi Garba (14NA/72/15972), was apprehended in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State with 711 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

According to the source, preliminary investigations revealed that Garba had been diverting ammunition from clearance operations with the intention of supplying terrorists. He has since been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.

The source further confirmed that troops in Bama intercepted a terrorist logistics movement, recovering 379 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Ambush operations in Borno and Yobe also yielded two AK-47 rifles, 11 rounds of ammunition, and other items, with one terrorist neutralised.

In the North-Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued eight kidnap victims in Nasarawa and Taraba states. They also recovered 579 rustled cattle and seized two AK-47 rifles from armed herdsmen linked to earlier attacks in Taraba.

Meanwhile, in the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested 10 armed suspects in Rivers State who were disguised in OSPAC uniforms. Recovered items included five pump-action rifles, locally made firearms, charms, mobile phones, and ₦1.7 million in cash. A separate raid in Ahoada East neutralised two suspected cult leaders.

“These operations demonstrate both the army’s resolve to deny terrorists and criminals freedom of action and its vigilance to deal decisively with any betrayal within the ranks,” the source said.