Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested three suspected criminals and recovered a stolen Mack truck in a recent operation in Rivers State. The operation was carried out during a routine night patrol by soldiers of the 144 Battalion as part of Operation Eastern Sanity following credible intelligence about criminal activity in the Akpaa area.

According to a statement from Captain Mazinho Attah, the Public Relations Officer for the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the three suspects were taken into custody on 11 February 2026. The recovered truck, with registration number T 4477 LA, was reported stolen on 8 February 2026 from the Port Harcourt–Aba road and later parked at Opobo Junction.

The vehicle is now being moved to the 144 Battalion Forward Operating Base at Osisioma for further interrogation and handover to the appropriate authorities. The Army said this action highlights its ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and to protect lives and property in its area of responsibility.

Context of Similar Security Operations

This recovery and arrest come amid a broader push by Nigerian security forces to tackle vehicle theft and other crimes across the country. Recent actions by police and military units have included:

• Police in Kano State arrested six suspects and recovered stolen tricycles valued at millions of naira.
• Police in Delta State recovered a stolen truck loaded with cement and arrested eight members of an armed robbery syndicate.
• Several operations nationwide have seen arrests of armed robbery suspects and recovery of stolen vehicles.

These efforts reflect ongoing collaboration between military and law enforcement agencies to improve security and reduce criminal activity.