Troops of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army Delta Force, have arrested two suspected cattle rustlers during a routine security operation in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State.
Sources said the suspects were apprehended on April 25 at about 1600 hours inside an excavation area near the Tango 8 General Post ahead of the Marlians Mammy area.
The suspects were identified as Malam Modu Kur and Baba Goni Bacha, aged 20 and 16 respectively.
According to the sources, a search of the area did not yield further incriminating items, but troops recovered two mobile phones, a Bluetooth earpod, a cutlass, a bow and arrow, and three bottles of water from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the movement of the suspects within the anti-vehicle ditch raised suspicion among troops on duty, leading to their interception and arrest.
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be handed over to the relevant military intelligence unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The operation, the statement added, was conducted without resistance and in line with ongoing efforts to curb cattle rustling and other criminal activities within the theatre of operations.
Zagazola reports that military authorities have continued intensified patrols and clearance operations across parts of Borno and surrounding areas in a bid to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
