Troops of the 144 Battalion (Rear), operating under Operation EASTERN SANITY, have arrested three suspected criminals and recovered a stolen Mack truck during a routine night patrol in Abia State.
The suspects were 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 incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday in the Akpaa area of the state, when troops, acting on intelligence, swiftly mobilised to the scene and apprehended the suspects.
The trio was found in possession of a Mack truck with registration number T 4477 LA, which had reportedly been stolen on February 8, 2026, from Port Harcourt Road in Aba and later parked at Opobo Junction.
According to the Nigerian Army, the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminal elements within the locality.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer of the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Abia State, Captain Mazinho Attah, a preliminary investigation confirmed that the vehicle had been declared stolen prior to its recovery.
Efforts are ongoing to move the recovered truck 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 Army reiterated its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the security of lives and property within its area of responsibility, adding that further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
