The Nigerian Army has arrested 30 suspects in their search for the missing retired major-general, Idris Alkali.
A statement released by the Nigerian Army said they conducted sting operation, during which they arrested the suspects and recovered weapons.
“In continuation of the search and rescue of Maj Gen IM Alkali (rtd) The Chief of Army Staff has constituted a special task force to carry out sting operation aimed at finally locating the whereabouts of the missing senior officer. The first phase of the operation involved combing the entire Doi Du Community in Du District of Jos South LGA of Plateau State. 30 suspects were arrested.
“Weapons recovered from Some of the Suspects Include, 3 X Locally Made Single Barrel Guns, 3 X Locally Made Pistols, 5 X 7.62 MM(SP) RDS, 30 X 9MM RDS, One Pistol Mag and an Empty Case. Others Include 4 X Knives, One X Locally Made Sword, 3 Cutlasses, One Iron Rod, 2 PAIRS OF Boots, 3 X Vigilante ID Cards, 5 X Motor Cycles, One Tricycle, One Thousand Korean Currency Note, A Wrist Watch, One Power Bank ,25 Assorted Phones, 2 Car Keys, 2 House Keys and A Hoe. The operation would continue until the senior officer is found,” said the statement.
On September 29, the Joint Task Force, comprising officers and soldiers from 3 Division Quick Response Team, Operation Safe Haven, Nigeria Police Force, Vehicle Inspection Office, Fire Service, as well as local divers found a vehicle belonging to missing Mr Alkali at a pond in Paddock in Lafendeg Du Plateau State.
The discovery followed the draining of water from the pond by the task force.
A terse statement released by the Nigerian Army Headquarters is silent about whether the missing general’s body was found in the pond.
Mr Alkali, immediate past Chief of Administration, Army Headquarters, Abuja, was declared missing on September 3.
He was on his way to Bauchi after leaving Abuja in the morning.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the commencement of the search on September 20, Ibrahim Mohammed, Garrison Commander, 3 Division Garrison, Nigeria Army, Rukuba, Jos said after thorough search and investigation, the army stumbled on some intelligence that made it necessary to search the water body.
