146 Battalion Nigerian Army Raids Kidnappers’ Den, Arrest 2, Recover Weapons; Warn Against Piracy, Criminality Ahead of Yuletide Season

146 Battalion Nigerian Army has raided a criminal hideout around Peterside Community and arrested two suspected kidnappers and confiscated weapons and boat from them.

Commanding Officer of 146 Battalion, Lt Col Oyemade Oyewumi disclosed this on Monday, September 8, 2025 to Kristina Reports at the Farouk Yahaya Camp, home of the Battalion in Bonny, Rivers State.

He warned that the 146 Battalion is battle ready to protect lives and properties of citizens living within its area of operation before, during and after the ensuing Yuletide season.

According to him, the raid, which resulted in the arrests, were made in the early hours of Monday, September 8, 2025, by troops of the Battalion acting on credible intelligence.

The items recovered from the suspects include two locally made rifles, one wooden rifle, and one locally made pistol, some round of ammunition, and boat fitted with outboard engine.

Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to being in possession of the weapons and were in contemplating what targets to hit before they were apprehended by the Nigerian Army troops.

“Let me say it clearly, the Army, particularly, 146 Battalion and other security agencies are on high alert to ensure we protect the lives and properties of citizens within our areas of operation.”

“We shall not hesitate to deal with any threat to peace, law and order and safety of lives during the ember months and the festive season. For these guys we were waiting for them and promptly swooped on then once we got credible intel.”

“It is important that criminal elements think twice about their plans and find alternative legitimate means of livelihood than try to steal from, threaten or intimidate anyone during this period. We shall be decisive and ferocious in dealing with them.”

The Commanding Officer stated that the suspects have been handed over to the relevant prosecuting agencies for further investigations and possible prosecution.

So far, the Nigerian Army troops have sustained routine patrols, sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering around its area of operation with a view to nipping in the bud any attempt at criminality and also to deny criminal elements freedom of action through the festive period.