By Sumaila Ogbaje
Troops of Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have intercepted an illegal arms shipment in Kaduna State, recovering seven firearms and disrupting a suspected weapons trafficking network operating across Plateau and Niger states.
An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja said the intelligence-led operation followed credible information on the movement of illicit arms from Jos, Plateau, to Niger.
The report said troops conducted a targeted stop-and-search operation in the early hours of Monday and intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz at the Samaru Checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
It said a thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs) carefully concealed inside the vehicle.
According to the report, one suspect attempted to evade arrest during the operation but was shot while trying to escape.
It added that the suspect was immediately evacuated to the Sector 7 Medical Centre in Kafanchan, where he is receiving treatment.
The report said preliminary investigations indicated that the weapons were allegedly supplied by two suspected arms dealers based in Jos and were being transported to an intended recipient in Niger State.
It said the successful interception underscored the Nigerian Army’s resolve to disrupt arms proliferation and dismantle criminal networks threatening national security.
The report added that the Army would continue to work in synergy with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the country.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts at tackling criminality and safeguarding lives and property. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)