- The Nigerian Army says it troops arrested a notorious gun runner in Bargu general area of Bussa local government in Niger
- Akilu was caught at the Garoji Army checkpoint following intelligence and trailing by soldiers
- The gun runner had 46 locally-made guns and ammunition concealed in a Toyota Corolla car
Nigerian Army troops assigned to Operation Whirl Punch have announced the arrest of a notorious gun runner Rabiu'u Akilu in Niger state.
The army, said in a statement, signed by Colonel Muhammad Dole, deputy spokesman of the 1 Division that Akilu was arrested after being trailed for a while by troops.
Several locally-made weapons were seized from the gunrunner after he was arrested at an army checkpoint in Bargu.
Rabiu Akilu after he was arrested by soldiers on Thursday, November 22. Credit: Nigerian Army
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The statement read:
"It is noteworthy to state that the on going Operation WHIRL PUNCH is achieving successes in all formations of Headquarters, 1 Division Nigerian Army. The latest being the interception and arrest of a notorious gun runner called RABI'U AKILU. He was arrested at the Garoji Army Check point in Bargu general area of New Bussa LGA of Niger state on 22 November 2018.
"Acting on intelligence and careful trail, the vehicle was intercepted and the following items were discovered:
a. 21 fabricated locally made single barrels.
b. 15 fabricated locally made barrels Ghana made.
c. 10 fabricated locally made pistols.
d. 343 Cartridges.
e. One Toyota Corolla with registration number ZUR 416 DX KEBBI.
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Akilu poses with his deadly products after being arrested by the Nigerian Army on Thursday, November 22, 2018. Credit: Nigerian Army
"Mr Rabi'u Akilu hails from Dangulbi village of Maru LGA of Zamfara state. He is currently assisting security operatives in the investigation.
"The general public, especially motorists are requested to please cooperate with the troops during any stop and search operation and continue to volunteer information on the activities of the criminals in the society.
"The troops under Operation WHIRL PUNCH will continue to ensure safety passage on the roads and major highways, as well as elimination of bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers in our Area of Operations."
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported earlier that the Nigerian Army has finally broken its silence on the deadly attack on soldiers on the 157 task force battalion stationed in Metele, Borno state by the Boko Haram terrorists which left scores of the soldiers dead and some still missing.
While some reports’ estimates put the casualty figure at over 100, the Army in its statement on Friday, November 23, failed to reveal the death toll.
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The Army’s statement read: “The attention of the NA has been drawn to several social media, print, electronic and online publications about the recent attack on 157 Task Force Battalion at Metele.
"Whilst it is true that there was an attack on the location on 18 November 2018, it has, however, become necessary to correct several misinformation being circulated with regards to this unfortunate event."
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Source: Legit.ng
