A joint operation by 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Service has led to the arrest of a notorious kidnap kingpin, Emmanuel Akpan, in Akwa Ibom State.

A highly placed military source told The Nation on Friday morning that Akpan, operating along the Oron/Ibaka axis, was arrested on October 7, during a raid of his hideout at Eket Local Government Area of the state.

According to the source, Akpan is currently in DSS custody for further investigation.

According to military sources providing updates on the nationwide operations, troops stationed at Baga, Borno State, successfully arrested an ISWAP/JAS fighter on October 8. The militant was intercepted by the 196 Amphibious Battalion while attempting to infiltrate the town of Kukawa LGA.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect served as a logistics and intelligence courier between terrorist enclaves in Chad and Niger Republic, with the intent to spy on troop movements under the guise of a surrendering fighter. He has since been handed over to 403 Amphibious Brigade for further investigation,” the source said.

“Also, three ISWAP/JAS terrorists, including a female, voluntarily surrendered to 68 Battalion troops at Bosso, Niger State, citing intense military pressure and hardship in terrorist enclaves around the Tumbun Marcobina axis. The suspects, originally from Konduga and Jabilam, have been profiled for further debriefing.”

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In another development, the source said, 4 Demonstration Battalion on a snap checkpoint along the Lere–Saminaka–Kaduna Road in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Kaduna State, intercepted two suspects conveying 1,307 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four mobile phones and ₦27,000 cash.

According to the source, initial investigations have indicated that the ammunition was being transported from Barakin Ladi in Plateau State to Zamfara State.

“Additionally, 222 Battalion at Bazamri Village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, engaged terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to flee and recovering two RPG bombs and a belt containing 150 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition during exploitation operations.”

The source revealed that across other regions, troops arrested multiple criminal suspects, recovered illegal arms, dismantled illegal refining sites and intercepted stolen crude oil and petroleum products in Rivers, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi and Plateau States.

“In the course of anti-oil theft operations, troops recovered over 6,650 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, seized several boats and vehicles used for transporting illicit petroleum products and destroyed multiple illegal refining ovens and equipment in line with established directives,” the source said.

It assured that the Army remained committed to safeguarding law-abiding citizens, protect communities and create secure conditions for economic growth.