Kehinde Fajobi
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Friday the arrest of notorious gunrunner Timothy Yusuf and his son, Timothy Obadiah, during a targeted operation aimed at disrupting arms supply to terrorists and criminals.
Outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Buba Edward, stated that the arrests represent a significant blow to illegal arms networks.
He added that troops also neutralised Abu Mosaje, a notorious terrorist commander and arms dealer, in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State.
“Troops operating in the North Central region achieved a major breakthrough by neutralising Abu Mosaje, a notorious terrorist commander and arms dealer,” Edward said.
“Additionally, the same troops apprehended Babangida Gora Usman, a wanted kidnap kingpin on the security watchlist, in Sanga LGA, Kaduna State.”
He noted that the arrests of Yusuf and his son would weaken the flow of illegal arms across the region.
Edward also highlighted nationwide counter-terrorism efforts, reporting the neutralisation of 79 terrorists, the rescue of 67 hostages, and the arrest of 224 suspects, including key figures and informants, within the past week.
“During the week under review, troops across all theatres of operations recorded significant successes,” Edward said.
“In addition, 28 perpetrators of oil theft were arrested, and troops denied oil theft operations valued at over ₦747 million in the South-South region.”
He listed seizures in the South-South to include 842,685 litres of stolen crude oil, 12,340 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO), and 200 litres of kerosene (DPK).
Troops also destroyed 215 crude oil cooking ovens, 42 illegal refining sites, and other equipment used for oil theft.
In the South East, seven members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), were arrested in operations in Enugu North and Ehime Mbano LGAs.
“Among those apprehended were a notorious kidnapper and several informants,” Edward revealed.
The operations resulted in the recovery of a large cache of weapons, including 104 firearms and over 1,900 rounds of ammunition.
“Recovered items included 53 AK47 rifles, 25 fabricated rifles, seven RPG bombs, and 1,186 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition,” Edward stated, listing additional equipment such as motorcycles, mobile phones, and explosive devices.
The DHQ reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining counter-terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.