Troops arrest ‘bandits’ arms supplier, intercept ammunition in Kaduna

The troops of Operation Forest Sanity have intercepted a vehicle filled with “a large quantity of ammunition” around Polewire in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna state

Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said in a statement on Thursday that the troops intercepted the vehicle and arrested one Aminu Abdullahi, the driver, following credible intelligence about gunrunning activities.

Aruwan said the arms were suspected to be on the transport chain for delivery to bandits terrorising the community.

“In another significant breakthrough, troops of Operation Forest Sanity have intercepted a large quantity of ammunition being conveyed to bandits by a courier around Polewire in Birnin Gwari LGA,” the commissioner said.

“According to a report forwarded to the Kaduna State Government, the troops followed up on credible intelligence around gunrunning activities, and in the course of diligent checks, stopped a suspicious-looking vehicle within the location of interest.”

Aruwan said 2,000 rounds of various grades of ammunition, concealed in different parts of the car were recovered. 

“After a thorough search of the vehicle, the following precise quantities (of ammunition) were recovered: 1,079 rounds of 7.62mm, special ammunition, 886 rounds of 7.62mm belted ammunition, 139 rounds of 7.62mm tracer ammunition and five empty AK-47 magazines,” he said.

“The governor warmly appreciated the leadership of the General Officer Commanding, One Division, Nigerian Army, Major General T.A. Lagbaja, for the latest notable breakthrough recorded. 

“Governor El-Rufai charged the security forces to proceed with a thorough investigation of the arrested suspect, and intensify efforts towards dismantling gunrunning networks across the State and beyond.”