Soldier Arrests Suspected Kidnap Kingpin Terrorising Jos–Makurdi Road

According to Ireporter Online, the suspect was apprehended during a targeted security operation carried out by troops stationed at the Sector’s Standing Operating Base in Bangai Village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources revealed that the arrest took place around 5:00 p.m. on July 16, as part of ongoing efforts by the military to tackle criminal activities and restore safety along the busy highway corridor.

Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the suspect is linked to an armed criminal group accused of terrorising motorists and residents through kidnapping and other violent operations along the route.

The suspect is currently in military custody and is said to be providing investigators with valuable information that could assist in identifying and dismantling other members of the criminal network.

In a related development, troops under Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 25-year-old man suspected of providing intelligence and logistical support to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in northern Borno State.

According to Ireporter Online, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Mustapha, was arrested during a night patrol and identification operation conducted on July 16 by troops of the 403 Amphibious Brigade and 130 Battalion (Motorised), alongside personnel from the Nigerian Borderless Logistics Corps and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.

The arrest was carried out as part of ongoing operations under Operation Desert Sanity V, aimed at disrupting insurgent activities in the region.

Reports indicated that Mustapha, an indigene of Monguno Local Government Area, allegedly confessed during preliminary interrogation that he monitored military movements and supplied information to insurgents operating around the Lake Chad area.

He was also accused of gathering intelligence on troops conducting route and shoulder-clearance operations along the Baga–Cross Kauwa Main Supply Route and transmitting the information to terrorist elements.

Security authorities said investigations are ongoing to uncover further details about the activities of the suspects and their alleged networks.