Troops foiled thugs’ attempt to disrupt presidential, NASS elections in Kogi, others

The Defense Headquarters said armed forces forces arrested eight political thugs at Okehi in Okene Local Government Area of ​​Kogi State during the recently concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The Director, Defense Media Operations, Musa Danmadami, stated this at a bi-weekly news briefing on armed forces operations on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr. Danmadami, a major general, said the thugs were arrested in an attempt to disrupt the electoral process in the area.

He said the force recovered three pump action rifles, two locally made AK 47 rifles, six locally made assorted rifles and two daggers.

Mr. Danmadami said that Operation Safe Haven troops on February 26, arrested five suspected cattle rustlers and recovered 35 rustled cattle in Lobirin village in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of ​​Plateau State.

He added that the troops also on March 4, responded to an attack in Angwan Lilu in Riyom Local Government Area of ​​Plateau State and engaged criminals in a firefight.

He said the encounter led to the recovery of some weapons from the fleeing criminals.

In Benue State, Mr. Danmadami said Operation Whirl Stroke troops carried out a raiding operation into Utange village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, neutralized two bandits and recovered a cache of weapons and other items.

“In the same vein, troops carried out an operation in Zaki-Biam town in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area and arrested seven terrorists.

ALSO READ: #NigeriaDecides2023: INEC cancels 74 poll results in Kogi

“Preliminary investigations show that the suspect has been involved in criminal activities in the local government area.

“The forces also recovered an AK47 rifle, 19 locally made pistols, one handgun, two machetes and four mobile phones from the terrorists.

“Thus, in a few weeks of focus, the forces in the North-Central Zone recovered five AK47 rifles, three pump action guns, 19 locally fabricated pistols and three Dane rifles,” he said.

According to him, six different locally made guns, 163 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 17 empty cases of 7.62mm ammunition, two machetes, two watches, seven mobile phones and 35 rustled cows.

“The troops also neutralized two terrorists and arrested seven suspected terrorists as well as eight political thugs.

“All items have been recovered, the arrested terrorists have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action,” he said.

(AT)