Troops Nab Three Gunrunners, Recover AK-47 Rifles, Ammo in Kaduna
Troops of the 37 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Demonstration Battalion have apprehended three suspected gunrunners and recovered a significant cache of weapons in Kaduna State.
A release issued on Saturday, by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, the operation was executed on Thursday along the Kauya–Old Afaka–Sabon Birni Road in Igabi Local Government Area.
The suspects — identified as 45-year-old Yakubu Jibril, Abubakar Yahaya (45), and Isiya Sani (30) — were intercepted while travelling in a black Golf 4 vehicle with registration number ABUJA 385 K7.
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A meticulous search of the vehicle uncovered 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. Troops also recovered a cash sum of ₦365,600 believed to be linked to the illicit arms trade.
General Kangye said the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation as part of wider efforts to dismantle the network behind the arms trafficking scheme. He emphasized that the operation underscores the Nigerian Armed Forces’ resolve to rid the country of threats posed by gunrunners and terror collaborators.
“The Chief of Defence Staff commends the troops for their proactive response and gallantry. These actions send a strong warning to criminal elements that our Armed Forces remain vigilant and committed to national security,” the statement read.
The Defence Headquarters also released photos of the recovered arms and ammunition, reiterating the military’s zero-tolerance posture toward the illegal arms trade fueling violence across parts of the country.
By PRNigeria