The Nigerian Army has disrupted a suspected arms trafficking syndicate and recovered a cache of illegal weapons during an intelligence-led operation in Kaduna State.
The army said the operation led to the interception of a vehicle conveying locally fabricated firearms believed to be destined for criminal elements, while one suspect was shot after attempting to evade arrest.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday at the Samaru Checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State by troops of Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE, acting on credible intelligence about the movement of illicit arms from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State.
According to a statement by the Nigerian Army, troops intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz and conducted a thorough search of the vehicle.
The search led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs), which had been carefully concealed inside the vehicle.
The army said one of the suspects attempted to escape during the operation but was shot while trying to flee. He was immediately evacuated to the Sector 7 Medical Centre in Kafanchan, where he is receiving treatment.
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.
The army described the operation as another major breakthrough in its 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 law-abiding citizens to deny criminal elements freedom of action and enhance the safety of lives and property across the country.
The Nigerian Army also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing efforts to combat arms trafficking and other forms of criminality.