By Emmanuel Obisue
Troops of the 37 Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, Demonstration Battalion have arrested three suspected gunrunners in Kaduna State, in a major operation aimed at disrupting the supply of illegal arms to criminal elements in the region.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, said in a statement on Saturday that the suspects—Yakubu Jibril (45), Abubakar Yahaya (45), and Isiya Sani (30), were apprehended on Thursday along the Kauya Old Afaka Sabon Birni Road in Igabi Local Government Area.
The military said the arrest followed credible intelligence that enabled troops to intercept a black Golf 4 vehicle with registration number ABUJA 385 K7.
The statement added that a search of the vehicle uncovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including nine AK-47 rifles, 389 rounds of 7.62mm Special live ammunition, 54 rounds of 5.56 x 45mm NATO ammunition, 17 magazines, GSM handsets, other incriminating items, and ₦365,600 in cash.
According to the statement, “The suspects are currently in custody, undergoing rigorous interrogation and investigation to dismantle the entire network involved in illicit arms trafficking. This operation underscores the military’s relentless efforts to safeguard citizens, particularly in regions vulnerable to insurgent and bandit activities”.
“This resolute action sends a clear message to all criminal elements that the Nigerian Armed Forces are resolute in their mission to ensure the safety and security of the populace. The recovered arms and ammunitions serve as tangible evidence of the military’s dedication to eradicating threats to national security,” it added.
Kangye also disclosed that the Chief of Defence Staff has commended the troops for their swift response and reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to sustaining high-level security operations across the country. Images of the recovered arms and items were also released by the military.
