Troops of Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have disrupted a suspected arms trafficking syndicate and recovered a cache of illegal weapons during an intelligence-led operation in Kaduna State.
According to an official statement by the Nigerian Army, the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of illicit weapons from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State.
The statement disclosed that 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, where they intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz suspected of conveying the illegal arms.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs), which had been carefully concealed inside the vehicle.
The Army further stated that one suspect attempted to evade arrest during the operation and was shot while trying to escape. 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 interception demonstrates its determination to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and dismantle criminal networks threatening national security.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to working in synergy with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens to deny criminal elements freedom of action, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support efforts aimed at combating criminality across the country.
