By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7 have arrested suspected arms traffickers and recovered seven illegal firearms during a targeted stop-and-search operation at Samaru checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 9:40 a.m. on Monday following credible intelligence regarding the movement of illegal weapons from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State.
According to the sources, troops had received information that suspected arms racketeers were transporting the weapons in an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Acting on the intelligence, security personnel identified, tracked and intercepted the vehicle at the Samaru checkpoint in Zangon Kataf.
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 vehicle.
During the operation, one of the suspects reportedly attempted to escape but was shot by troops while trying to flee. He sustained injuries and was immediately evacuated to the Sector 7 Medical Centre in Kafanchan for treatment.
Preliminary interrogation of the arrested suspects indicated that the weapons were allegedly supplied by two individuals based in Jos, Plateau State, and were being transported to a receiver in Niger State.
Military sources said the suspects, along with the recovered firearms, remain in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities at Headquarters for further investigation aimed at dismantling the arms trafficking network and apprehending other members of the syndicate.
The interception is considered another significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt the illicit flow of weapons fueling criminal activities and insecurity across the North-Central region.
Security authorities said investigations are continuing to identify and arrest all individuals connected with the arms supply chain.
