Soldiers intercept wanted notorious arms supplier with weapons in Kaduna

The Nigerian Army claimed on Saturday, that its troops, in coordination with other security agencies, apprehended Mallam Hashimu Ahmad, a notorious gun runner, in Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

According to a statement by the Department of Army Public Relations WhatsApp platform, the suspect, who had been on the security agencies' wanted list for supplying arms and ammunition to terrorists, was apprehended while on his way to deliver sophisticated weapons, including one General Purpose Machine Gun, a Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher, one RPG bomb, 1,069 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, and one belt of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

“The cache of arms and ammunition, as well as the vehicle used in conveying them, were fully recovered.

“Similarly, in Delta State, troops acting on credible intelligence have intercepted a tanker truck laden with 15, 000 liters of substance suspected to be illegally refined AGO at Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area,” the statement affirmed.    

According to the statement, the forces have also detained the two suspects transporting the unlawful commodity for preliminary inquiry before handing them over to the proper prosecuting agency.

Also, in Sokoto State, troops on patrol in the general vicinity of Matalawa village in the Isa Local Government vicinity successfully freed kidnapped captives who were abducted and taken into the forest while in transit.

Responding to distress calls, the forces arrived quickly at the spot and engaged the kidnappers in a gunfight, resulting in the release of the captives.

The rescued captives were reunited with their relatives.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting the nation and dismantling all criminal networks, inducing insecurity in the country. We, therefore, enjoin the public to support the troops by providing actionable information to enhance troops’ operations against terrorists and other criminal elements to ensure a safe and secure society,” the statement said.

Allnews.ng had initially reported that Nigerian Army troops deployed for counter-terrorism in Kaduna State had neutralized two terrorists and captured their arms.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday.

Acting on actionable intelligence, the troops executed a well-coordinated ambush along the Tasha-Bwari Road, a link between Gurara town in Kachia and Kagarko Local Government Areas.

During the operation, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the neutralization of two terrorists while others fled with gunshot wounds. 

The operation led to the recovery of valuable intelligence and several items, including an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 27 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two machetes, two mobile phones, and N80,000.