RismadarVoice Reporters, August 22, 2026
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected gunrunner in Plateau State and recovered an AK-47 rifle and other weapons, while a separate operation in Edo State led to the rescue of a kidnapped man.
In Plateau, troops of Operation Endurance Peace, working with vigilantes and local hunters, carried out an intelligence-led raid on Kisayi and Dogon Daji settlements in Bassa Local Government Area.
The operation followed the abduction of Dr Abraham Owoicho on August 19, 2026.
The Army said several occupants fled into the bush when troops arrived, but a 30-year-old woman, identified as Halima Ibrahim, was arrested while allegedly attempting to escape with two AK-47 rifle magazines.
A search of her residence at Kisayi B Village reportedly led to the recovery of: One AK-47 rifle, One locally fabricated revolver, One military jungle hat, Three mobile phones, Two AK-47 magazines.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the AK-47 allegedly belonged to her husband, identified as Ibrahim.
In Edo State, troops working with the Edo State Security Corps reportedly rescued a 35-year-old kidnap victim during an ambush operation at Powerline Uzairue along the Afawosa–Iyora Road in Etsako West Local Government Area.
According to the Army, troops sighted suspected kidnappers moving with their victim and engaged them, forcing the attackers to abandon the man and flee.
The victim, identified as Mohammed Oboarekpe, reportedly told security personnel that he had been abducted from his residence in South Ibie on August 20, 2026.
The Nigerian Army said the operations form part of its ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in kidnapping, arms trafficking and other violent crimes.
The Army also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security operations.
