TROOPS ON EXERCISE EGWU EKE III ARREST THUGS WITH DANGEROUS WEAPONS IN SOKOTO STATE

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.

You are please requested to disseminate this information to the public through your medium.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
3rd February 2019.


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