Troops
Troops Nab
Troops
Troops Nab Political Thugs With Dangerous Weapons in
Sokoto
Troops of 8 Division, Nigerian Army, on Exercise EGWU EKE III,
in conjunction with other security agencies have recovered
dangerous weapons from criminals and political thugs in Sokoto
State. This has really contributed immensely to a peaceful security
situation in the State.
However, yesterday, Saturday 2nd January 2019, troops on joint
stop and search patrol patrol with other security agencies,
arrested 16 persons believed to be political thugs armed with
dangerous weapons along Illela-Danfulani-Gwadabawa road. The
suspects were arrested armed with 27 axes and 16 customised sticks.
While still conducting the search, a prominent politician in the
state and a serving Senator, came to the scene and ordered his
mobile police escorts to release them. In the process, the
Department of State Service operative was molested and his clothes
torn. The patriotic and professional officer still held on to the
seized weapons. Similarly, another prominent politician from
Zamfara State had earlier tried to influence the investigation of
arrested armed poltical thugs.
These undue pressures and attempts to interfere with the conduct
of the Exercise for selfish reasons are indeed worrisome and
disturbing and will not be tolerated. The Nigerian Army has always
been professional, impartial and apolitical and will continue to be
so. Since the operationalization of the Exercise in January 2019,
we have arrested thugs armed with dangerous weapons across the
various political parties, without fear or favour. The thugs were
documented and handed over to the police. We have noted with great
concern that such criminals usually find themselves back into the
society without any sanction.
Consequently, we would like to reiterate our commitment to
creating a conducive and secured environment for the smooth and
peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections in the
country. Therefore, we would not tolerate any undue interference
from any quarters in the discharge of this noble responsibility.
Additionally, we have resolved to hold on to any arrested criminal
or armed thugs till the end of the elections. All Commaders have
been further directed to continue to carry out their duties
diligently, despite the provocation from some misguided
elements.
SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations