Nigerian Army Intercepts Suspected Arms Traffickers, Recovers Illegal Weapons in Kaduna

Troops of Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have disrupted a suspected arms trafficking syndicate and recovered a cache of illegal firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Kaduna State.

The operation, conducted in the early hours of Monday, followed credible intelligence on the movement of illegal weapons allegedly being transported from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State.

According to the Nigerian Army, troops mounted a targeted stop-and-search operation at the Samaru Checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, where they intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz suspected to be conveying the arms.

A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs), which had been concealed inside the vehicle.

The Army disclosed that one of the suspects attempted to escape during the operation but was shot while fleeing arrest.

The suspect was immediately evacuated to the Sector 7 Medical Centre in Kafanchan, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered weapons were allegedly supplied by two suspected arms dealers based in Jos, Plateau State, and were being transported to an intended recipient in Niger State.

The Nigerian Army said the successful operation reflects its commitment to combating the proliferation of illegal arms and dismantling criminal networks threatening national security.

The Army also reaffirmed its resolve to continue working closely with other security agencies and members of the public to deny criminal elements freedom of operation and safeguard lives and property across the country.

It urged citizens to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support efforts aimed at tackling arms trafficking and other forms of criminality.