The Nigerian Army troops operating along Mokwa-Jebba road have intercepted and arrested a fleeing bandit in a vehicle traveling from Zuru to Ibadan during a stop and search operation on Sunday.
Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, director, Army Public Relations, said this in a statement today in Abuja.
The Army spokesman said the vigilant troops spotted an occupant of the vehicle, who claimed to be Sgt. Aminu Sule and found him in possession of a pair of camouflage, military boots, knife and substance suspected to be charms.
Nwachukwu said on further interrogation, the suspect confessed to be traveling to Ogbomoso in Oyo State, and further claimed that the uniform and boots belonged to his brother who was a soldier.
He added that the suspect was discovered to be fleeing from the ongoing operations in Niger State to a safe haven.
According to him, the suspect was immediately apprehended and handed over to the police at Mokwa for further investigation.
“The heat on bandits and other criminal elements in Niger State has caused them to start fleeing to supposed safe havens.
“Members of the public, particularly around Niger and contiguous states are, therefore, enjoined to be vigilant and report any suspected movement of fleeing bandits to security agencies,” he said.
According to nwachukwu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has assured law abiding citizens of Niger State and, indeed, all Nigerians of the safety of their lives and property.
“He further enjoined them to be wary of such sinister movements by fleeing bandits and continue to support the security agencies with useful information to enable them maintain peace and security of the country,” he said.