Troops of the 37 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Demonstration Battalion have arrested three suspected gunrunners in Kaduna State, seizing a large cache of weapons and ammunition in what authorities described as a significant breakthrough in the fight against arms trafficking and terrorism.
The operation, carried out on Thursday, followed detailed intelligence gathering and surveillance, culminating in the interception of the suspects along the Kauya, Old Afaka, Sabon Birni Road in the Igabi Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement signed by Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, the suspects, identified as Yakubu Jibril (45), Abubakar Yahaya (45), and Isiya Sani (30), were travelling in a black Golf 4 vehicle with registration number ABUJA 385 K7 when they were apprehended.
“Upon searching the vehicle, troops discovered nine AK-47 rifles, 389 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) live ammunition, 54 rounds of 5.56 x 45mm (NATO) ammunition, 17 rifle magazines, GSM handsets, and other incriminating items.
“A cash sum of ₦365,600 was also recovered, believed to be proceeds or logistics funds for arms distribution”, the statement reads.
The military said the suspects were caught in the act while attempting to deliver the weapons to criminal networks operating in remote locations.
The Defence Headquarters said the success of the operation underscores the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to dismantling the supply chains of terrorist and bandit groups across the country.
“The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as part of efforts to uncover and dismantle the wider syndicate involved in illicit arms trading”, it added.
Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, has praised the troops for their swift and coordinated action, describing the operation as a proactive measure to prevent further insecurity in vulnerable communities.
He reaffirmed the military’s resolve to intensify ongoing security operations and warned criminal elements that the Armed Forces remain committed to rooting out threats to national stability.
