The Defence Headquarters on Friday, announced the arrest of a notorious gun runner, Timothy Yusuf, and his son, Timothy Obadiah, during a targeted military operation aimed at dismantling illegal arms networks, fueling criminal activities across the country.
A statement issued by the outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, said the operation disrupted the supply chain of weapons used by terrorists and other violent groups.
The arrest of Yusuf and his son is expected to significantly weaken the illegal arms trade.
In a separate operation, troops neutralised a terrorist commander and arms dealer, Abu Mosaje, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Additionally, security forces apprehended Babangida Gora Usman, a notorious kidnap kingpin on the security watchlist, in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“These operations have dealt a significant blow to the criminal networks operating in the North Central region,” Maj. Gen. Buba said, adding that “the arrest of key figures like Timothy Yusuf and his son further cripples the supply of illegal arms to violent groups.”
Highlighting the military’s recent successes, Maj. Gen. Buba disclosed that 79 terrorists were neutralised, and 224 suspects—including informants and key criminal figures—were arrested in nationwide operations over the past week.
Troops also rescued 67 kidnapped hostages and made significant recoveries of weapons and ammunition.
In the South-South region, the military intensified its campaign against oil theft, arresting 28 individuals and seizing assets valued at over ₦747 million.
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Operations in the area also led to the destruction of 215 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, 29 boats, and 62 storage tanks, among other facilities. Recovered items include 842, 685 liters of stolen crude oil and 12, 340 liters of illegally refined diesel.
In the South East, troops arrested seven members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Among the suspects was a notorious kidnapper and informants operating in Enugu and Imo States.
The military’s operations nationwide led to the recovery of 104 firearms, over 1, 900 rounds of ammunition, and improvised explosive devices.
Recovered items include 53 AK-47 rifles, 25 fabricated rifles, and seven RPG bombs, motorcycles, mobile phones, and communication equipment used by criminal groups.
Maj. Gen.. Buba reaffirmed the military’s commitment to intensifying its counter-terrorism efforts, saying, “our troops remain resolute in their mission to eliminate criminal elements and ensure peace and security across the nation.”
