Army busts arms syndicate, recovers weapons in Kaduna
The Nigerian Army said its troops have intercepted a notorious gun runner, Mallam Hashimu Ahmad, and recovered a cache of sophisticated weapons at Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Army disclosed this in a statement shared on Facebook on Saturday.
According to the statement, the suspect had been on the wanted list of the security agencies for supplying arms and ammunition to terrorists but was captured while on transit to deliver sophisticated weapons, including one General Purpose Machine Gun, a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Launcher, one RPG Bomb, 1,069 rounds of 7. 62mm (special) ammunition and one belt of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.
The Army said the troops nabbed the suspect in collaboration with other security agencies.
“The cache of arms and ammunition, as well as the vehicle used in conveying them, have fully recovered,” the statement reads in part.
“Similarly, in Delta State, troops acting on credible intelligence have intercepted a tanker truck laden with 15,000 litres of substance suspected to be illegally refined AGO at Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area.
“The troops have also taken the two suspects conveying the illegal product into custody for preliminary investigation, preparatory to handing over to appropriate prosecuting agency.
“In Sokoto state, troops on patrol in the general area of Matalawa village of Isa Local Government Area have successfully rescued kidnap hostages who were abducted and taken into the forest while on transit.
“Responding to a distress call, the troops moved swiftly to the location, where they engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, leading to the extrication of the hostages. The rescued hostages have been reunited with their families,” the statement further reads.
The Nigerian Army restated its committed to protecting the nation and dismantling all criminal networks inducing insecurity in the country.
The Army enjoined the public to the troops by providing actionable information to enhance troops’ operations against terrorists and other criminal elements to ensure a safe and secure society.
