Troops Intercept Illegal Arms in Kaduna, Recover 2,434 Livestock in Zamfara
Nigerian troops have recorded major operational successes against criminal elements in separate security operations, intercepting an arms courier vehicle loaded with weapons and ammunition while also recovering more than 2,400 rustled livestock following a clash with suspected terrorists in Zamfara State.
The operations, carried out by troops of 12 Brigade in conjunction with operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Hybrid Forces, as well as troops of 1 Brigade under Counter-Terrorism Operation 6, underscore ongoing efforts to combat arms trafficking, terrorism and cattle rustling across the country.
Security sources said troops acting on credible intelligence on June 21 intercepted a vehicle suspected to be transporting arms to Kogi State along the Sokoto–Zaria–Kaduna highway.
According to the sources, the suspected arms courier abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting security operatives.
A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, nine magazines, 67 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two Beretta pistols with accompanying 9mm ammunition, two Baofeng handheld radios and three camouflage jackets.
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The recovered items have been taken into custody for further investigation and exploitation, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspect and dismantle the network behind the illegal movement of arms and ammunition.
In a separate operation on June 22, troops of 1 Brigade under Counter-Terrorism Operation 6 recovered a large number of rustled livestock after engaging suspected terrorists on the outskirts of Bukkuyum Town in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The troops reportedly responded to a distress call at about 12:25 p.m. concerning the movement of suspected terrorists in the area and swiftly mobilised to intercept them.
Upon making contact, the troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to retreat under sustained military pressure. The fleeing suspects abandoned a large herd of livestock believed to have been rustled from communities within the area.
Items recovered during the operation included 2,423 sheep, 10 donkeys and one calf.
Security sources said arrangements were being made to identify the rightful owners of the animals and facilitate their return.
The sources noted that the two operations highlight the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security efforts and ongoing military operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks, curbing the proliferation of illegal weapons and combating terrorism, banditry and cattle rustling across the North-West and other parts of the country.
By PRNigeria
