The Nigerian Army has said its troops arrested a suspected bandit with military kits.
According to a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, the suspect was arrested during a stop and search operation along Mokwa -Jebbba Road.
Onyema said he confessed during interrogation that he was heading to Ogobomosho in Oyo State, The PUNCH reports
The statement was titled, ‘Troops arrest suspected bandit in possession of military kits.”
It reads, “Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating along Mokwa-Jebba Road, have arrested a fleeing bandit during a stop and search operation along the road on Sunday.
“The arrest was effected at about 9:00pm, when the troops intercepted a car traveling from Zuru to Ibadan.
“The vigilant troops spotted an occupant of the vehicle, who claimed to be Sgt. Aminu Sule.
“Upon a body search, the occupant was found to be in possession of a pair of camouflage uniform, military boots, knife, and a substance suspected to be charms.
“On further interrogation, the suspect confessed to be traveling to Ogbomosho in Oyo state.
“He further claimed that the uniform and boots belonged to his brother who is a soldier.
However, on closely scrutinising the suspect, he was discovered to be fleeing from the ongoing operations in Niger State to a safe heaven.
“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 heavens. 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.”
The statement quoted, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Faruk Yahaya, as assuring law-abiding citizens of Niger State and all Nigerians of the safety of their lives and property.
