By Peter Omopo
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested three suspected criminals and recovered a stolen Mack truck during a routine night patrol in Rivers State.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of February 11, 2026, at the Akpaa area following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminal elements in the locality.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Captain Mazinho Attah, Public Relations Officer of the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, said the operation was conducted in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu’s command philosophy of effectively discharging the Army’s constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency framework.
According to the statement, troops of the 144 Battalion (Rear), operating under Operation Eastern Sanity, swiftly mobilised to the scene and arrested three suspects identified as Darlington Ubochi, 25, from Ugwunagbo Local Government Area; Chinedu Abara, 33; and Julius Chinemem Godwin, 29, both from Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.
The suspects were apprehended in possession of a Mack truck with registration number T 4477 LA. The vehicle was reportedly stolen on February 8, 2026, from Port Harcourt Road, Aba, and later parked at Opobo Junction.
Preliminary investigations confirmed that the truck had been declared stolen prior to its recovery.
The Army said efforts are ongoing to move the recovered vehicle to the 144 Battalion Forward Operating Base in Osisioma, while the suspects remain in military custody pending further investigation and subsequent handover to the appropriate authorities.
The Brigade stated that the successful operation underscores its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the security of lives and property within its area of responsibility. Further updates are expected as investigations continue.
