Troops of Sector 7 have arrested suspected arms traffickers and recovered seven illegal firearms during a stop-and-search operation at the Samaru checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The operation, carried out at about 9:40 a.m. on Monday, followed credible intelligence on the movement of illegal weapons allegedly being transported from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State for delivery to criminal elements.
The military said troops received information that suspected arms traffickers were conveying the weapons in an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz vehicle.
Acting on the intelligence, the vehicle was identified, tracked and intercepted at the Samaru checkpoint.
It was gathered that a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of seven firearms, comprising three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs), which had been concealed inside the vehicle.
During the operation, one of the suspects reportedly attempted to flee but was shot by troops while trying to escape.
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The military noted that the suspect sustained injuries and was immediately evacuated to the Sector 7 Medical Centre in Kafanchan for treatment.
Preliminary interrogation of the suspects indicated that the weapons were allegedly supplied by two individuals based in Jos, Plateau State, and were being transported to a recipient in Niger State, where they were believed to be intended for armed bandits.
The suspects and the recovered firearms remain in military custody and are expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The interception is seen as another significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt the illegal movement of firearms believed to be fuelling banditry and other violent crimes across the North-Central region.
The army reiterated its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal weapons and enhancing public safety, while investigations into the case continue.