The Nigerian Army has dismantled a suspected arms trafficking network and recovered a cache of illegal firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Kaduna State, dealing another blow to the proliferation of illicit weapons across the country.
Troops of Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE, carried out the operation in the early hours of Monday, July 13, 2026, following credible intelligence on the movement of illegal arms from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State.
Military authorities disclosed that the troops mounted a targeted stop-and-search operation at the Samaru Checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, where they intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz suspected of conveying the weapons.
A comprehensive 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.
During the operation, one of the suspects reportedly attempted to flee and 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.
Preliminary investigations revealed 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 Army described the operation as a significant success in its ongoing campaign against the illegal circulation of arms, stressing that it reflects its determination to dismantle criminal networks and curb activities that threaten national security.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens to prevent criminal elements from operating freely across the country.
The Nigerian Army also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen efforts aimed at combating arms trafficking and other forms of criminality nationwide.
