The Nigerian Army has intercepted a suspected arms trafficking syndicate and recovered a cache of illegal firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Kaduna State.
The operation, carried out by troops of Sector 7 under Operation Enduring Peace, followed credible intelligence on the alleged movement of illegal weapons from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday, where the military said the troops mounted a targeted stop-and-search operation in the early hours of Monday at the Samaru Checkpoint in the Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, where they intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz suspected of conveying the arms.
A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs), which had been carefully concealed inside the car.
According to the army, one of the suspects attempted to flee during the operation but was shot while trying to escape arrest.
However, he was subsequently evacuated to the Sector 7 Medical Centre in Kafanchan, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the 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 operation highlights its ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and dismantle criminal networks threatening national security.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies and members of the public to combat crime, urging citizens to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support efforts aimed at tracking and apprehending criminal elements.