Troops Intercept Suspected Arms Traffickers, Recover Illegal Weapons in Kaduna

Troops Intercept Suspected Arms Traffickers, Recover Illegal Weapons in Kaduna

Troops of Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have disrupted a suspected arms trafficking syndicate and recovered a cache of illegal firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Kaduna State.

The operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of illicit weapons from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State. Acting on the information, troops mounted a targeted stop-and-search operation in the early hours of Monday, 13 July 2026, at the Samaru Checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.

During the operation, security personnel intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz vehicle. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs) concealed inside the car.

In the course of the operation, one of the suspects reportedly attempted to escape but was shot while trying to evade arrest. The suspect 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 and were being transported to an intended recipient in Niger State.

The Nigerian Army said the successful operation demonstrates its continued resolve to combat the proliferation of illegal arms and dismantle criminal networks threatening national security.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens to deny criminal elements freedom of operation and safeguard lives and property across the country.

It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid efforts to tackle criminal activities nationwide.

Troops Intercept Suspected Arms Traffickers, Recover Illegal Weapons in Kaduna