Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have intercepted a suspected illegal arms shipment in Kaduna State, recovering several firearms believed to have been destined for criminal elements in Niger State.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Monday, was based on intelligence that weapons were being transported from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State. Acting on the information, soldiers mounted a targeted stop-and-search operation along the route.
According to a statement by the Nigerian Army, troops intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz at the Samaru Checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area during the operation.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs), which were allegedly hidden inside the vehicle in an attempt to evade detection.
The Army disclosed that one of the suspects attempted to flee during the operation but was shot while trying to escape arrest. He 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. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals linked to the trafficking network.
The Nigerian Army described the operation as another significant step in its efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and dismantle criminal networks threatening national security.
The military also reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to tackle crime across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence that could help prevent criminal activities.
