Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted a suspected arms trafficking syndicate in Kaduna State, recovering several illegal firearms during an intelligence-led operation targeting the movement of weapons across northern Nigeria.
The operation was carried out by troops of Sector 7 under Operation Enduring Peace after intelligence reports indicated that a cache of arms was being transported from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State.
According to a statement issued by the Army on Monday, the operation was executed in the early hours of the day at the Samaru Checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, where troops intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz suspected to be conveying the weapons.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs), which had been carefully concealed inside the car.
The Army disclosed that one of the suspects attempted to flee during the operation but was shot while trying to evade arrest. He was immediately evacuated to the Sector 7 Medical Centre in Kafanchan, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Preliminary investigations, according to the military, revealed 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 underscores its sustained efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and dismantle criminal networks threatening national security.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with other security agencies and members of the public to combat crime, urging citizens to continue providing timely and credible intelligence that would aid the identification and arrest of criminal elements across the country.
