Troops Intercept Suspected Arms Supplier, Recover Over 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Operation FANSAN YANMA operating under Sector 2 have arrested a suspected arms and ammunition supplier and recovered a large cache of ammunition during a security operation in Zamfara State.
Military sources disclosed that the suspect was apprehended at about 11:00 a.m. on June 5 by troops of 1 Brigade while conducting routine security operations along a route linking Gusau and Shinkafi Local Government Area.
According to the sources, the troops intercepted a vehicle travelling from Gusau towards Shinkafi and subjected it to a thorough search based on intelligence and operational suspicion.
The search led to the recovery of a locally fabricated 9mm pistol with one magazine, 1,002 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm ammunition, 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition and 10 rounds of 9.4mm ammunition.
The ammunition and weapon were reportedly concealed inside a sack containing millet in an apparent attempt to evade detection by security personnel.
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Troops also recovered the sum of N74,700 from the suspect during the operation.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is believed to be involved in the supply of arms and ammunition to terrorist and criminal elements operating within the area. Intelligence obtained from the suspect further suggested that the recovered items were being transported for delivery to an unidentified contact in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
Military authorities said efforts were underway to identify and apprehend the intended recipient as part of ongoing operations aimed at dismantling arms trafficking networks that sustain insecurity in the North-West.
“The arrest and recovery represent another significant breakthrough in efforts to cut off the supply chain of weapons and ammunition to terrorist and bandit groups operating in the region,” the source said.
The suspect and all recovered items remain in military custody while further investigations continue.
Security agencies have intensified intelligence-led operations across the North-West in a bid to disrupt the movement of illicit arms and deny criminal groups access to weapons used in attacks against communities and security personnel.