The Defence Headquarters says, Troops of Operation AWATSE have arrested suspected high-profile arms traffickers in Oluyole LGA,Ibadan, Oyo State.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba in a press statement disclosed that troops in conjunction with hybrid forces on 6 November 2023 arrested two suspected high-profile arms traffickers in Oluyole LGA of Oyo State.
He noted that troops recovered 10,000 rounds of shotgun cartridges.
Brig. General Buba also added that troops also conducted a raid at cultists hideouts in Sagamu and Kosofe LGAs of Ogun and Lagos States respectively.
He explained that troops in conjunction with hybrid forces on 11 November 2023 conducted a raid at suspected cultists hideouts in Sagamu and Kosofe LGAs of Ogun and Lagos States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 20 suspected cultists.
He stressed that troops of Operation AWATSE arrested 22 suspected criminals and recovered 10,000 rounds of shortgun cartridges. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
Brig. General Buba also revealed how troops of Operation UDO KA raided suspected criminals hideout in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State.
He said, troops on 7 November 2023, raided a suspected criminals’ hideout and arrested 3 suspected criminals in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State. This was sequel to information on activities of illegal road block, armed robbery and vandalization of government installation in the general area.
He added that troops ambush suspected IPOB/ESN criminals in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State. Troops along with NAPTIP personnel raided areas of Osisioma Ngwa and Aba South LGAs of Abia State and arrested human traffickers.
He said the troops conducted ambush on suspected terrorists in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State on 9 November 2023. Troops made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK47 rifle, 10 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and one mobile phone amongst other items.
He also said troop with troops with NAPTIP personnel following a tip-off on 10 and 13 November 2023, raided the general areas of Osisioma Ngwa and Aba South LGAs of Abia State. During the operation, troops arrested 9 suspected human traffickers and rescued 2 ladies, 7 pregnant women and 9 babies. Troops also recovered 3 generators, one vehicle, 18 mobile phones, one laptop, power banks and medical items amongst others.
"Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 3 criminals, arrested 7 suspected IPOB/ESN criminals and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 19 mobile phone amongst other items." he noted.