weapons

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a notorious gunrunner on transit to deliver high caliber weapons to terrorists in Kaduna State.

A statement by the Nigerian Army on its official X handle (formerly Twitter), said the troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, intercepted the suspected notorious gunrunner, Mallam Hashimu Ahmad, at Saminaka in Lere local government area of the State.

The statement said the suspect, who had been on the wanted list of the security agencies for supplying arms and ammunition to terrorists, was captured while on transit to deliver sophisticated weapons to terrorists.

Items found in his possession include; 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, cache of arms and ammunition, as well as the vehicle used in conveying them.

In a related development, troops in Delta State, acting on credible intelligence, 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 of the State.

The troops also took the two suspects conveying the illegal product into custody for preliminary investigation “preparatory to handing over to appropriate prosecuting agency.”

Meanwhile, in Sokoto State, troops on patrol in the general area of Matalawa village of Isa local government area of the State, rescued kidnapped hostages who were abducted and taken into the forest while on transit.

The statement added that the troops following a distress call moved swiftly to the location, where they engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, leading to the rescue of the victims.

“The rescued hostages have been reunited with their families,” it added.