By Helen Udo.
Troops of Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have dealt a major blow to illegal arms trafficking by intercepting a suspected weapons syndicate during an intelligence-led operation in Kaduna State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops launched a targeted stop-and-search operation in the early hours of Monday, 13 July 2026, to intercept weapons allegedly being moved from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State.
During the operation, security personnel stopped an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz at the Samaru Checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, where a thorough search was conducted.
The search led to the recovery of seven illegal firearms, comprising three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs), which had been carefully concealed inside the vehicle.
One of the suspects attempted to flee during the operation but was shot while trying to escape. He was immediately evacuated to the Sector 7 Medical Centre in Kafanchan, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Initial investigations revealed that the recovered weapons were allegedly supplied by two suspected arms dealers based in Jos and were destined for an intended recipient in Niger State.
The Nigerian Army said the successful operation reflects its determination to curb the proliferation of illegal arms, dismantle criminal networks, and strengthen national security. It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
