By Kingsley Omonobi

Troops of Nigerian Army deployed for ‘Counter- terrorism’ ‘Counter- insurgency’ operations in Taraba and Benue States have in series of successful operations, intercepted a gun runner, thwarted a kidnapping attempt and killed a terrorist in a shootout.

Director of Army Public Relations, Major Gen Onyema Nwachukwu made this known on Monday

“In Taraba State, troops, in collaboration with vigilantes, acted on actionable intelligence to apprehend one Mansir Mohammed at Jalingo Motor Park, who has been reportedly involved in gun-running activities with terrorists.

“His arrest led to the nabbing of other members of his syndicate and the recovery of one Semi Automatic Pump Action gun, one locally fabricated gun, a Peugeot car, 5 mobile phones, and the sum of forty-five thousand Naira (N45,000) only.

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“In a separate operation, troops on routine patrol at Miyande Village in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State intercepted two terrorist suspects who concealed a Automatic rifle underneath the seat of a motorbike on which rode.

“The vigilant troops recovered one AK- 47 Rifle, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a motorcycle.

“In another development, troops responded to a distress call and successfully foiled a kidnap attempt within Zaki-Biam town in Zaki-Biam Local Government Area of Benue State.

 “During the intervention, troops neutralized one kidnapper in a shootout with the criminals and recovered a Beretta Pistol with 4 rounds of 9 mm ammunition.

“These successful operations underscore the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and insurgency in its strive to ensure security in the country.

“We urge members of the public to continue to support our troops as they conduct their operations.”