The Nigerian Army says it’s troops attached to exercise AYEM
AKPATUMA (Cat Race) has discovered a pump action rifle on sale in
Taraba.
A statement signed by Army Spokesman, Brigadier General Sani
Usman said the rifle was discovered by troops deployed in Bantaje
ward of Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, while on
patrol.
Usman said preliminary investigation has shown that the rifle was
displayed for sale but was abandoned by the suspected gun runners,
who ran away on sighting the troops on patrol in the area.
“It was further revealed that the suspects who are now at large,
were involved in gun running in Bantaje general area.” The
statement added.
“The public especially the residents of the areas where Exercise
AYEM AKPATUMA is taking place are advised to continue to
cooperate with troops by providing useful information & report any
suspected movement by individual or group to the military or law
enforcement agencies.”
The military exercise aimed at curbing conflicts and other criminal
activities in the north central was launched in Benue state on
Tuesday.
The exercise was launched by the Chief Of Army Staff Lt. General
Tukur Buratai during a visit to the state Governor Samuel Ortom at
the Government House in Makurdi.
According to the army, Exercise Ayem Akpatuma, will involve raids,
cordon and search operations, road blocks, show of force and
checkpoints.