Troops from 82 division of Nigerian Army, Monday, said they have arrested a notorious gunrunner and recovered several arms while bombarding and clearing criminal hideouts in Anambra state and Ebonyi states.
The acting deputy director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, who said this in a statement explained that the latest clearance operation by ‘‘Operation Udo Ka II’’ badgered in the terrorists’ hideouts at Orsumoghu forest in Ihiala local government area of Anambra state.
Unuakhalu said during the operation, some of the terrorists who came to fight the troops were gunned down, even as incriminating items, including military boots and belt, mobile phones, binoculars, leather hand gloves and police head warmer, among others were recovered.
He said: “The troops were able to dislodge the group; neutralised two of them, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Items recovered from the camps included a pair of military boots, one military belt, five mobile phones, one binoculars, leather hand gloves and police head warmer. Others were one locally-made handheld IED and four locally-made IED launchers (Ogbunigwe),’’ he stated.
Unuakhalu added that troops of Sector 2 of the “Operation Udo Ka II’’ had Thursday, arrested a suspected gunrunner, Mr Francis Nwekire, aged 63, while on a search-and-rescue operation at Effium in the Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi state.
“Additionally, a suspected Effium Militia in Ebonyi was arrested and he led troops to their hideout. Items recovered from the hideout were one AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and one AK-47 magazine. Both suspects are presently in troops’ custody for further interrogations,” he added.
