Suspected member of a kidnap gang believed to be behind a series of attacks and abductions along the Jos–Makurdi highway has been arrested by troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, in Plateau State.
The arrest was contained in a post shared on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama on Friday night.

According to the post, the suspect was apprehended at about 5:00 p.m. on July 16 during a targeted operation carried out by troops deployed at the Sector’s Standing Operating Base (SOB) in Bangai Village, Riyom Local Government Area.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect is a member of an armed criminal syndicate accused of terrorising commuters and residents along the Jos–Makurdi road corridor through kidnappings and other violent attacks.

Security sources quoted in the post said the suspect is currently in military custody and is assisting investigators with information that could help security operatives dismantle the criminal network and arrest other members of the gang.

President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF), Adeyinka Samuel, has expressed confidence in Team Nigeria’s chances at the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships, insisting the country’s athletes are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the competition in Glasgow, Scotland.

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With the championships drawing closer, Samuel revealed that Nigeria’s fencers have been putting in intensive work in training, with the federation focused on ensuring the athletes arrive in Scotland in peak condition.

The Commonwealth Fencing Championships, held alongside the Commonwealth Games programme, provide one of the biggest international stages for athletes from across the Commonwealth and offer valuable ranking points and elite-level competition.

Speaking on the team’s preparations, Samuel said the commitment shown by the athletes has given him every reason to believe Nigeria can make a strong impression against some of the world’s best fencers.

“Our athletes have been working extremely hard, and I am pleased with the level of dedication they have shown. They understand the importance of this championship, and we are optimistic about what they can achieve,” Samuel said.

The federation president acknowledged that the competition will be fierce, with traditional fencing nations expected to field strong teams, but maintained that Nigeria’s representatives have prepared well enough to compete at a high level.

Samuel also praised the collaborative efforts of the coaches, technical officials and the National Sports Commission (NSC) in creating an environment that allows the athletes to focus fully on their preparations.

“We have confidence in this team. They have shown discipline throughout the build-up, and we believe they are capable of making Nigeria proud when the competition begins,” he added.

Fencing has continued to grow steadily in Nigeria in recent years, with the country producing promising performances at African and international competitions.

The federation has also intensified grassroots development programmes aimed at producing a new generation of elite athletes capable of competing consistently on the world stage.

As Team Nigeria puts the finishing touches to its preparations, attention will now shift to Glasgow, where the nation’s fencers will be aiming to translate months of hard work into strong performances and further raise Nigeria’s profile in one of the fastest-growing Olympic sports.