By Ameh Gabriel
In a major breakthrough against the spread of illegal arms and terrorism, troops of the 37 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Demonstration Battalion have arrested three suspected gunrunners in a precision-led operation in Kaduna State.
The suspects—Yakubu Jibril (45), Abubakar Yahaya (45), and Isiya Sani (30) were intercepted on Thursday while travelling along the Kauya–Old Afaka–Sabon Birni Road in Igabi Local Government Area in a black Golf 4 vehicle with Registration Number ABUJA 385 K7.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition, including:
9 AK-47 rifles
389 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) live ammunition
54 rounds of 5.56 x 45mm NATO ammunition
17 rifle magazines
Multiple GSM handsets, incriminating items, and ₦365,600 in cash
The operation, driven by actionable intelligence, underscores the Nigerian military’s ongoing commitment to curbing arms trafficking and neutralizing security threats across the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, July 12, Major General Markus Kanye, Director of Defence Media Operations, praised the precision of the troops and reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ readiness to tackle criminal networks and insurgent collaborators.
“The suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation as investigations continue to trace and dismantle the wider network behind this illicit arms movement,” the statement read.
The Chief of Defence Staff has also commended the troops’ swift and decisive action, emphasizing the military’s zero tolerance for criminality and its proactive role in safeguarding communities, especially in areas vulnerable to terrorism and banditry.
“This operation sends a strong message to criminal elements there is no safe haven for gunrunners and insurgents. The Nigerian Armed Forces remain vigilant, focused, and relentless in their mission to protect lives and maintain national stability,” the statement concluded.
Photographs of the recovered weapons and ammunition were released alongside the statement, offering visual evidence of the military’s operational success.
