Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected criminals and recovered arms, ammunition, and other incriminating materials during separate operations conducted in Kaduna and Abia states.

The Army disclosed this in a statement posted on its official social media platforms on Sunday. According to the statement, the operations were carried out by personnel of Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA and Joint Task Force South East under Operation UDO KA as part of ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the country.

In Kaduna State, troops of the 2 Battalion stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Dogon Dawa reportedly intercepted a suspected bandit during a snap roadblock operation at Damari in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area on May 8, 2026.

The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Ibrahim Adamu, was said to be riding a motorcycle when he was stopped and searched by soldiers.

According to the Army, items recovered from him included an AK-47 magazine, three mobile phones, Indian hemp, and other materials.

The statement further revealed that preliminary checks on the suspect’s mobile phone uncovered photographs allegedly showing him dressed in military camouflage and carrying a PKT machine gun alongside other suspected bandits.

“The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation,” the Army stated.

In a separate operation in Abia State, troops of the 14 Brigade under Operation UDO KA reportedly responded to a distress call on May 9, 2026, concerning alleged illegal possession of a firearm at Umuoriehe village in Umuahia North Local Government Area.

The Army said the troops acted on credible intelligence and arrested a 22-year-old suspect identified as Ifeanyi Ezebuiro.

During the operation, soldiers recovered a foreign-made Ruger pistol from the suspect.

According to the statement, Ezebuiro claimed during preliminary interrogation that the firearm belonged to his late father.

The Army confirmed that both the suspect and the recovered weapon remain in custody while investigations continue.

It stated that the successful operations demonstrate the military’s continued determination to deny criminal groups freedom of operation and ensure the protection of law-abiding citizens nationwide.

The Army also reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive security operations in line with its constitutional responsibility of protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and maintaining peace across the country.