Army intercepts arms trafficking syndicate, seizes rifles in Kaduna
Troops of Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have intercepted a suspected arms trafficking syndicate in Kaduna State, recovering three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns concealed in a vehicle, the Nigerian Army said.
The Army disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday shared on its official social media pages, saying the intelligence-led operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday at the Samaru Checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.
It said the operation followed “credible intelligence regarding the movement of illicit arms from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State.”
According to the statement, troops intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz during a targeted stop-and-search operation, leading to the discovery of the weapons hidden inside the vehicle.
The Army said one suspect attempted to flee during the operation but was shot while trying to escape.
“In the course of the operation, one suspect attempted to evade arrest and was shot while trying to escape. He was promptly evacuated to Sector 7 Medical Centre in Kafanchan, where he is currently receiving treatment,” the statement read.
The Army added that preliminary investigations indicated the weapons were allegedly supplied by two suspected arms dealers based in Jos and were being transported to an intended recipient in Niger State.
Describing the operation as a major blow to illegal arms trafficking, the Army said, “This successful interception underscores the firm resolve of the Nigerian Army to disrupt arms proliferation and dismantle criminal networks that threaten national security.”
It reiterated its commitment to working with other security agencies to tackle insecurity and urged members of the public to support security operations by providing timely and credible information to help track criminal activities.
