Suspected terrorists in transit to unleash an attack in Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State have been repelled by the Nigerian Army deployed for Counter-terrorism operations in North East Nigeria, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force.
The Army in a statement on Thursday, May 9, 2024, said the troops also arrested three suspected gunrunners in a separate but related operation in Madagali Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, Yakubu Musa, Marcus Ziri, and Ishakwu Kumba were found in possession of different firearms.
“The troops on fighting patrol near Wuro Jabbe encountered the terrorists who were on a mission to attack the community,” the statement read.
“Troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce fire-fight that compelled them to succumb and abandon their firearms. The troops captured one PKM Machine Gun, 402 rounds of 7.62 mm x 54 NATO ammunition and 110 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO
"In a separate but related operation, troops responding to actionable intelligence intercepted 3 persons suspected of gun-running in the Sukuk Community, located in the Madagali Local Government Area of the state.
"The suspects, identified as Yakubu Musa, Marcus Ziri, and Ishakwu Kumba, were found in possession of various firearms and ammunition. Musa was apprehended with a locally fabricated Gun, a pistol and 59 rounds of 7.62 mm x 39 ammunition, while Kumba was arrested with two locally fabricated guns and 29 cartridges and Ziri was found with a locally made gun.
"Further investigations have revealed that Musa had previously acquired an AK-47 rifle for three hundred thousand naira (N300,000.00) from a yet to be identified individual who is currently at large.
"The Nigerian Army remains vigilant and committed to restoring peace and security in the region, as demonstrated by these successful operations.
"The apprehended suspects are currently undergoing further interrogation to aid in the dismantling of the networks that support terrorism and illegal arms trade in the North East.''