Troops of Sector 7 under Operation ENDURING PEACE have intercepted a suspected arms trafficking syndicate in Kaduna State, recovering seven firearms allegedly being transported from Plateau State to Niger State.
The Nigerian Army disclosed the development in a statement released on Tuesday through its official social media platforms.
According to the statement, the intelligence-driven operation was conducted in the early hours of Monday at the Samaru Checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Army explained that the operation followed actionable intelligence concerning the movement of illegal weapons from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State.
It stated that troops mounted a targeted stop-and-search operation after receiving reports about the suspected arms movement.
During the exercise, soldiers intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz, which was subsequently searched.
The search led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns allegedly concealed inside the vehicle.
The Army said one of the suspects attempted to flee immediately after the vehicle was stopped.
According to the statement, troops responded by shooting the suspect while he was trying to escape from the scene.
“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 disclosed that preliminary investigations suggested the weapons were allegedly supplied by two suspected arms dealers operating in Jos, Plateau State.
It added that the firearms were being transported to an intended recipient in Niger State before the operation disrupted the movement.
The military described the interception as a significant success in its ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and dismantle criminal networks across the country.
According to the Army, the operation demonstrates its determination to prevent the circulation of illicit arms capable of fuelling insecurity in different parts of Nigeria.
“This successful interception underscores the firm resolve of the Nigerian Army to disrupt arms proliferation and dismantle criminal networks that threaten national security,” the statement added.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with other security agencies in addressing insecurity across the country.
It also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security operations by providing timely and credible intelligence that could assist in identifying and apprehending criminal elements.
The military stressed that public cooperation remains critical to ongoing efforts aimed at combating illegal arms trafficking, banditry, terrorism and other forms of organised crime.
