soldier nabbed training militants in Rivers

The Nigerian Army says it has arrested a rogue soldier during its arms and ammunition mop-up in Kula Community, Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers.

The soldier, who specializes in training Niger Delta militants was arrested on Tuesday.

Commanding Officer of 2 Brigade Garrison of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Timothy Opurum, disclosed this in Port Harcourt.

He said the soldier- who is a member of 13-man militant gang that’s been terrorizing many communities in Rivers- deserted the army since 2002.

    “Based on intelligence reports, we carried out a sting operation where we captured 13 members militant gang including their notorious kingpin leader, simply known as Kenneth.

    “We also arrested a soldier, who deserted the army in 2002 and specialised in training of militants in weapons handling and operational tactics.

    “The soldier (names withheld), who is a Private, joined the army in 1998 and served in 331 Artillery Regiment Kalapanzi Barracks in Kaduna before he was declared missing in 2002.

    “The soldier, who is related to the kingpin of the militant group, is still in our custody and will be released to prosecuting agencies after formal dismissal from the army.”



    “However, some of the arms and ammunitions had already been moved by the militants before our troops arrived at the community.

    “Twelve suspects excluding the deserter-soldier, the arms and ammunitions had been handed over to the state Directorate of Security Services (DSS) for further investigation and prosecution.”