Attah explained that the operation was launched based on credible intelligence concerning the proliferation of arms and ammunition within the community.

During the operation, three suspects identified as Francis Ifere, 37, Oso Kalu, 40, and Ifere Oti, 32, were arrested.

The Army said items recovered from the suspects included seven locally fabricated Dane guns, 22 live cartridges, one motorcycle, and a bus allegedly belonging to one Stephen Kalu.

According to the statement, the bus was impounded after its owner reportedly fled before troops arrived at the scene.

The Nigerian Army further stated that troops deployed across various battalion areas have continued to conduct night patrols and routine security operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

The suspects and recovered items are expected to undergo further investigation as security agencies continue efforts to curb illegal arms trafficking and other criminal activities in the region.

Six people, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), have lost their lives in a fatal road accident along the Narehi area of Girei-Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje.

According to the statement, the accident involved a military gun truck travelling from Gombi to Yola and a commercial Hummer bus carrying five passengers from Yola to Mubi.

Nguroje said, “Preliminary findings reveal that both vehicles were involved in a head-on collision, resulting in the commercial bus flipping over and bursting into flames.

“Tragically, all five passengers aboard the Hummer bus were burnt to death after the vehicle caught fire following the collision.”

The police spokesperson disclosed that preliminary identification showed that four of the victims were serving members of the National Youth Service Corps posted to Adamawa State.

Two of the deceased were identified as Suleuman Juliet and Usman Shuaibu, both from Kaduna State. The identities of the remaining victims have yet to be confirmed.

Nguroje also stated that one military personnel attached to the military vehicle died as a result of the crash.

“The corpses have been evacuated to the Specialist Hospital, Yola, while efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining bodies and locate their families,” the police said.

The Commissioner of Police in Adamawa State expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the National Youth Service Corps, and everyone affected by the tragic incident.

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation MESA have arrested a suspected terrorist informant believed to be connected to a notorious bandit leader during a security operation in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was arrested at about 11:59 p.m. on June 1 during a joint operation involving troops of the 12 Brigade and local vigilantes.

According to the sources, the troops were pursuing suspected terrorists along a known route within the Adankolo Forest when they intercepted the suspect in the Odo Ape Forest area.

A security source said, “Troops were pursuing fleeing terrorists along a known terrorist route within the Adankolo Forest when they intercepted a suspect in the Odo Ape Forest area.”

Preliminary investigations reportedly identified the suspect as a close informant to a notorious terrorist leader known as Kachallah Baccujo.

Security sources also disclosed that two mobile phones were recovered from the suspect during the operation.

“The arrested individual was subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation and necessary action,” the source added.

The suspect is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), where further investigations are ongoing.

The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks operating in Kogi State and neighbouring areas.