92 Armed Herdsmen Intercepted By Soldiers At Check-Points

The Guards Brigade, Nigeria Army yesterday intercepted a group of 92 herdsmen while attempting to invade the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with arms and ammunition from different entry points, an officials statement said.

The suspected herdsmen, who claimed to be on legitimate movement to some parts of the FCT, could not explain what the arms and ammunition found in their possession were meant for.

Captain Bashir Jajira, the Guards Brigade spokesman, who issued the signed statement, said the weapons found in the vehicles used by the herdsmen range from pump action rifles to to knives and assorted charms.

According Captain Jajira, "A group of 36 herdsmen in Diana truck and Toyota with registration number ABJ KUj 994 FX and Niger SUL 541 XA were intercepted and arrested at 177 Guards Battalion by Keffi checkpoints.

In the course of investigation by the soldiers at the checkpoint, the herdsmen claimed to be going to Nasarawa local government area of Nasarawa State.

After thorough checking of the vehicles, the following items were recovered: One pump action; 19 cartridges dane guns; 118 Cartridges Ammo; 28 cutlasses; 3 jack knives; 14 sticks; 7 torchlights; Certificate C of O; and assorted charms and hard drugs.

Also yesterday at about 4pm, the Guards Brigade spokesman said another 56 herdsmen were arrested in Dantata, Gwagwalada general area, carrying 26 cartridges dane guns, 49 cutlasses and knives.

When interrogated, the herdsmen said they were on the lookout for those that stole their cows.

Captain Jajiri said the suspects would be handed over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution.