Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner, Rescue Kidnap Victim in Plateau, Edo

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered an AK-47 rifle and other weapons in Plateau State, while a separate operation in Edo State resulted in the rescue of a 35-year-old man allegedly abducted from his residence.

The operations were conducted in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State and Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, according to information provided by the Nigerian Army.

In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, working with vigilantes and local hunters, conducted an intelligence-led raid on Kisayi and Dogon Daji settlements in Bassa Local Government Area.

The operation followed the reported abduction of Dr. Abraham Owoicho on August 19, 2026.

The Army said some occupants of the settlements fled into the surrounding bush when troops arrived. However, a 30-year-old woman identified as Halima Ibrahim was arrested while allegedly attempting to escape with two AK-47 rifle magazines.

A subsequent search of her residence at Kisayi B Village reportedly led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated revolver, a military jungle hat and three mobile phones.

According to the Army, preliminary investigations indicated that the recovered AK-47 rifle allegedly belonged to Halima Ibrahim's husband, identified as Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, in Edo State, troops working with the Edo State Security Corps reportedly laid an ambush at Powerline Uzairue along the Afawosa–Iyora Road in Etsako West Local Government Area.

The troops reportedly sighted suspected kidnappers moving with a victim and engaged them, forcing the suspects to abandon the victim and flee.

The rescued man, identified as 35-year-old 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 disrupt kidnapping networks, arms trafficking and other forms of violent crime across the country.

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.