Troops of the 37 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Demonstration Battalion have arrested three suspected gunrunners and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in Kaduna State.
The operation, carried out on Thursday, 10 July, was based on actionable intelligence and part of ongoing efforts to curb terrorism and arms trafficking in the region.
The suspects — identified as Yakubu Jibril (45), Abubakar Yahaya (45), and Isiya Sani (30) — were intercepted along the Kauya–Old Afaka–Sabon Birni Road in Igabi Local Government Area while travelling in a black Golf 4 vehicle with registration number ABUJA 385 K7.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of significant arms and ammunition, including:
9 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
₦365,600 in cash
The Nigerian Army stated that the arrest is a major blow to the illicit arms supply network targeting vulnerable communities and insurgent groups in the area.
According to Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation, with further investigations underway to dismantle the wider network involved in arms trafficking.
“The Chief of Defence Staff has commended the troops for their swift and professional conduct. This operation underscores the military’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace and security across the country,” Maj. Gen. Kangye said in an official statement.
He further reiterated that the Nigerian Armed Forces will continue to intensify security operations and maintain a proactive posture to deter criminal elements nationwide.
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