The Nigerian Army has disrupted a suspected arms trafficking syndicate and recovered a cache of illegal firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Kaduna State.

The operation, carried out by troops of Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE, followed credible intelligence on the movement of illicit weapons from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State.

According to the Army, troops mounted a targeted stop-and-search operation in the early hours of Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Samaru Checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, where they intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz suspected to be conveying the weapons.

A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs), which were carefully concealed inside the vehicle.

The Army disclosed that one of the suspects attempted to flee during the operation but was shot while trying to escape arrest. He was immediately evacuated to the Sector 7 Medical Centre in Kafanchan, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered weapons were allegedly supplied by two suspected arms dealers based in Jos, Plateau State, and were being transported to an intended recipient in Niger State.

The Nigerian Army described the operation as another major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and dismantle criminal networks threatening national security.

It reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with other security agencies to combat arms trafficking and other forms of criminality across the country.

The Army also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to aid efforts at tracking and apprehending criminal elements.

According to the military, sustained collaboration between security agencies and citizens remains critical to safeguarding lives and property and enhancing national security.