Men of the Nigerian Army in separate operations have arrested several criminal suspects in the North-Central and South-South regions as part of their efforts to curb rising insecurity in the country.

On 16th January 2021, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN on stop and search duty arrested 2 suspects, Messrs Mantau Nabo and Victor Jonathan while trying to sneak a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and one empty magazine concealed in a Tricycle past a checkpoint at Dong Junction in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State on their way from Jebbu Miango en route Jos Town.

Following their arrest, the duo was extradited to the relevant authorities for further investigations and prosecution.

Similarly, soldiers deployed at Mariri while on stop and search operation arrested one Stephen Yaro, from Kigwanu village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. 

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The suspect, who was arrested with a locally made rifle concealed under his motorcycle seat, is presently undergoing preliminary investigation for further action.

In the same vein, on 15th January 2021, troops of Sector 3 deployed at Mararaba Udege in conjunction with troops of 177 Battalion in Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa arrested a suspected kidnapper around Hawa Biyu area.

The arrest was made following intelligence report on activities of the suspect in his hideout at Hawa Biyu.

Subsequently, the soldiers mobilized to the area and laid ambush along the route which led to the arrest of the suspect who is also currently undergoing thorough investigation.

In the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE during anti-Crude Oil Theft and illegal oil bunkering operations, as well as other anti-illegal maritime activities, have successfully recorded an applaudable success.

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During the operations carried out between 14th and 20th January 2021, the operatives arrested 24 suspects while 14 pumping machines, 2 speed boats and 13 outboard engines were recovered. 

The troops also immobilized 6 illegal refining sites, 11 wooden boats, 52 Gee Pee tanks, 102 metal tanks, 17 dugout pits and 45 ovens. Additionally, a total of 9,856.1 barrels of stolen crude oil and 1,339,000 litres of illegally refined AGO as well as 500,000 litres of DPK were recovered.

Also, on 14th January 2021, Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA anti-crude oil team in conjunction with Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS conducted anti-illegal bunkering operations. 

During the operations, the team de-activated illegally refining site consisting of 7 refining units (ovens), 16 metal storage tanks, 84,000 litres and 105,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO and stolen crude oil respectively, at Egwa Creek, Warri South-West Local Government Area.

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