The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army operating in Abia State, under the leadership of its General Officer Commanding (GOC), General Sarkin Yaki Bello, says that it  has arrested about 449 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers from different locations in Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Imo and Rivers states since September 28.

The army said that out of this number, a total of 79 suspects had been handed over to the Abia State Command of the State Security Services (SSS) for further investigations and where necessary  for prosecution.

This was contained in a press release signed by Lt Col Sagir Musa, the Deputy Army Public Relations Officer, and made available to journalists in Aba.

Col Musa said that the Army after its investigation was able to release about 171 suspects to their families, while others were still in  its custody for further investigations.

His words: “After our investigations, we have been able to release 171 suspects to their families, while a total number of 183 suspects are still in our custody and are being investigated afer which we will go to the next step.”

He said that after the investigations, those found not to be culpable by his men would be released, while those found to be culpable would be handed over to  relevant authorities for prosecution where necessary.

Col  Musa explained that two suspects who were arrested with 11 bags of substance suspected to be Indian hemp (Cannabis) had been handed over to the  National Durg Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state for their necessary actions.

He recalled that their coming into the state was at the directive of President  Goodluck Jonathan, which was passed down to the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Azubuike Ihejirika, and attributed their success in combating crimes in the state to both men.

The army deputy spokesman said that their intervention in the state had made it possible for the Gen Sarkin Yaki Bello-led men to restore peace and sanity in the state to the  people of Aba and its environs.

Col Musa said that during their operations in the state, they recovered 24 vehicles of all sorts from kidnappers , adding that those who lost their vehicles to the hoodlums should come to their operational base at Asa High School to claim them at no cost, while a  bus belonging to Abayi International School had also been recovered.

Comments (0)

Show/hide comments

Show/hide comment form

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment